'We're All on board!' - Key players give support to proposed enquiry into West Kingston operation
Published:Tuesday | May 7, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Edmond Campbell, Senior Staff Reporter
FORMER PRIME Minister Bruce Golding, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have indicated they would be willing to testify in a commission of enquiry into the May 2010 so-called incursion into Tivoli Gardens by the security forces which left 76 civilians and a soldier dead.
The reactions followed yesterday's announcement by Jamaica House that Cabinet had noted the Interim Report to Parliament from the Office of the Public Defender in which a call was made for a commission of enquiry, and that it was of the view that such an enquiry should be held.
Golding, who had a rocky ride during the 2011 Manatt-Dudus commission of enquiry, said about testifying before a new commission: "I would do so if so required."
Following on a Jamaica House announcement yesterday, the JDF also welcomed the move to hold an enquiry.
"We support the decision, therefore, as we believe that such a commission of enquiry will be conducted with the appropriate rigour and objectivity that will shed light on the facts and help to paint a true picture of the circumstances surrounding the May 2010 operation," read a statement from the JDF.
The Police High Command said yesterday it, too, stood ready and willing to give its full support to the enquiry.
"The decision of the Government of Jamaica to set up such a commission of enquiry based on the interim report from the public defender is welcomed by the Police High Command and as such, the Jamaica Constabulary Force will participate when required and also offers its full support to the enquiry," the High Command said.
However, Golding, who was then the chairman of the Defence Board, cautioned that there was the risk that the enquiry could "turn into a charade, which I believe occurred in the last enquiry".
According to Golding, much would depend on the terms of reference and the management of the enquiry.
The former head of government said the selection of the enquirers would be of utmost importance.
Addressing whether the selection of the commissioners and the framing of the terms of reference should be done by a bipartisan committee, Golding recounted that the now-ruling People's National Party Government, when it was in Opposition, had insisted on such an approach.
"It's left to be seen if they are going to be faithful to the position they had taken at that time," he said.
Golding noted that in selecting the commissioners and crafting the terms of reference for the Manatt-Dudus enquiry, Cabinet considered a number of proposals, after which it took a decision and advised the governor general.
When Golding named the commissioners for the Manatt-Dudus enquiry, then Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller welcomed the commission, but expressed disappointment over what she described as Golding's non-consultation with the Opposition and other stakeholders regarding the selection.
In a release yesterday, the current Opposition, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), did not state categorically whether it supported or rejected an enquiry.
The JLP acknowledged that the holding of such an enquiry was the prerogative of the Government.
Holness against enquiry
After the tabling last week, Opposition Leader Andrew Holness declared publicly that he was not in favour of a commission of enquiry into what Public Defender Earl Witter described as "the siege" of Tivoli Gardens.
Holness expressed reservations that the enquiry could become a political football as some believe played out in the Manatt-Dudus enquiry.
Yesterday, the JLP said it would be watching closely to ensure that the terms of reference and conduct of such an enquiry are framed and executed to achieve justice and are free from politicisation.
"Like all Jamaicans, we want the process to achieve justice.
In announcing the enquiry, Jamaica House said: "In considering how to move forward, Cabinet is mindful that a separate investigatory process has led to the commencement of criminal proceedings arising from a matter which is addressed in the interim report.
In considering how to move forward, Cabinet is mindful that a separate
investigatory process has led to the commencement of criminal
proceedings arising from a matter which is addressed in the interim
report.
- Jamaica House
Like all Jamaicans, we want the
process to achieve justice. We are particularly interested in achieving
closure for the victims. We want a clear identification of any
human-rights abuse and compensation, where necessary.
- Jamaica Labour Party
The
decision of the Government to set up such a commission of enquiry is
welcomed and as such the Jamaica Constabulary Force will participate
when required and also offers its full support to the enquiry.
- Police High Command
We support the decision as we believe that such a commission of enquiry will be conducted with the appropriate rigour and objectivity that will shed light on the facts, and help to paint a true picture of the circumstances surrounding the May 2010 operation.
- Jamaica Defence Force
Much will depend on the terms of reference and the management of the enquiry.
It's left to be seen if the Government is going to be faithful to the position it had taken at that time.
- Golding