Prime Minister Bruce Golding has instructed the minister of national security to consult with the police commissioner and the attorney general in order to undertake an immediate review of the national policy governing lethal engagement by members of the police force during operations.

Golding was responding to reports of the fatal shooting on Thursday of 11-month-old Farrell Powell, who was killed by a stray bullet after the police allegedly opened fire along March Pen Road, while in pursuit of a vehicle operating as an illegal taxi.

The prime minister apologised to the family of the victim on behalf of the Government and said the Government would ensure that justice was done.

Golding has asked for the review to be carried out and for a report to be made available within two weeks.

The prime minister, who is attending the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in The Bahamas, said the excessive and oftentimes unwarranted use of fire power by the police is a practice that must be reined in and to which speedy investigations and effective sanctions must apply.

The prime minister has also asked that Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne furnish him with a report by Monday on the status of the promised legislation to establish an independent body to investigate abuses by members of the security forces.

Tragic events

Minister of National Security Derrick Smith has described the events as tragic and has requested a report from Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, which was expected yesterday.