Seaga applauds JDF for booting soldiers - Urges Gov't to consider compensation for riot victims

OPPOSITION LEADER Edward Seaga yesterday applauded the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) for dismissing three of its soldiers after internal investigations confirmed they had fired shots at residents in Denham Town, west Kingston earlier this month.

He also urged the Government to consider compensation for riot victims.

"If this decisive act by the JDF is to signal an embrace of justice on a wider front, the Government must now put in place appropriate machinery to readily compensate on a compassionate basis, those who lose property and families of those who lose lives as innocent victims of riots, particularly when the security forces are involved," said Mr Seaga, Member of Parliament for West Kingston in which Denham Town falls.

He said compensation for riot victims was available under existing laws only by criminal action, which is often impossible, or by civil action which requires the expensive services of an attorney. He charged "neither of these avenues offer possibilities for poor people".

The Gleaner reported yesterday that the three soldiers, a lieutenant and a corporal from the First Jamaica Regiment (1JR) and a private from the Second Jamaica Regiment (2JR), were discharged last week after internal investigations confirmed gunshots were fired at residents from an armoured personnel carrier. One man was killed in the incident and a woman was shot in the leg.

National Security Minister K.D. Knight, in confirming the disciplinary action on Monday, described the JDF response as swift and appropriate "in the circumstances".

He said further action would be taken if necessary after follow up investigations. Mr. Seaga has claimed the dismissed men were already under investigation for criminal charges. The injured woman remains in hospital.

The soldiers were on patrol in the area in the wake of a flare up of gun violence between warring gangs from Denham Town and Hannah Town.

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