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Police to be deployed to ensure order at JFJ protest against police killing

Published:Tuesday | April 22, 2025 | 5:43 PM
It says police personnel will be stationed in the vicinity as a precautionary measure to preserve public order in light of credible indications of possible counter-protests in the vicinity.
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It says police personnel will be stationed in the vicinity as a precautionary measure to preserve public order in light of credible indications of possible counter-protests in the vicinity.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is advising the public that police will be deployed to monitor the peaceful protest being organised by Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) for April 29 at the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre in Kingston.

It says police personnel will be stationed in the vicinity as a precautionary measure to preserve public order in light of credible indications of possible counter-protests in the vicinity.

At the same time, the JCF says it has no affiliation with any of the groups that are planning to protest.

"Our presence is in keeping with our constitutional duty to serve, protect and reassure all Jamaicans, regardless of viewpoint," it said in a media release on Tuesday.

"The JCF firmly upholds the view that in a modern functioning democracy, all citizens have a right to express their views through lawful and peaceful demonstrations, and it is the responsibility of law enforcement to provide the environment in which these rights can be freely exercised," it stated.

The JFJ protest, against what the organisation says is an alarming rise in police killings in Jamaica, will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

JFJ said the protest will bring together victims, their families, human rights advocates and concerned citizens to amplify their voices and push for change.

The group has expressed safety concerns in relation to the protest based on comments from the head of the Jamaica Police Federation, who said JFJ would be a “true terrorist” if it does not support the police its protest.

Speaking at a colleague's funeral recently, Sergeant Arleen McBean accused JFJ of not recognising the work of the police in reducing crimes such as murder.

"I would love for you to have placard, to speak to the family of police officers who have been gunned down by criminals. ...If you can’t do that, Jamaicans for Justice, I classify you as a true terrorist," she said.

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