The Inter-American Commision on Human Rights (IACHR) has ordered the Jamaican Government to implement urgent measures to protect Kimberly Adamou, an American-born woman who was a victim of crime in the country three years ago.

According to information from the human rights group, Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ), on May 30, 2003, Ms. Adamou was assaulted, robbed and her property destroyed by her business partner at the time.

The JFJ further said that, since the incident, Ms. Adamou has been subjected to harassment, threats and intimidation by individuals, including members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

"She has been harassed, threatened, assaulted or intimidated by the defendant, members of his family, his associates, and some members of the JCF," JFJ stated.

The group added that individuals at the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court in Spanish Town have been calling Ms. Adamou "white lady," refusing to use her real name.

According to Dr. Carolyn Gomes, executive director for JFJ, for the past three years, Ms. Adamou has been struggling to get justice in Jamaica.

Dr. Gomes said that the IACHR has given the Government 15 days to present a report to it on the matter.

A Serious Look

"Hopefully, it will begin the process of asking our Government to take a proper and serious look at what is going on and the level of corruption in the system," Dr. Gomes said.

Yesterday, Opposition Senator Trevor McMillan, Jamaica's former police commissioner, said he had been made aware of the case some four months ago.

He described the case as "incredible," and told The Gleaner that on referring the matter to the JFJ, he was informed that the human rights body was already aware of the incident.