JFJ and supporters don black in protest for police accountability

 

Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) and its supporters coloured a section of Half Way Tree, St. Andrew in black on Tuesday afternoon, pressing for accountability within the police force.

 

The protest was staged even as the organisers received pushback from the police, its federation and government officials, with Government Senator Marlon Morgan on Monday calling for people to wear blue on Tuesday in support of the police. 

 

Painting a picture of powerful activism, the three-hour long gathering, which started at 1 p.m. saw over 100 protesters hoisting placards and calling for speedy trials, faster investigations and an end to the increasing number of police fatal shootings. 

 

With fatal shootings by law enforcement at 108 since the start of the year, JFJ Executive Director Mickel Jackson made it clear that Tuesday's protest was not anti-police, but rather pro accountability. 

 

"Not because we celebrate a reduction in murder, that means we should say no to accountability. Not because we celebrate a reduction in murder, that means we're going to be saying why are we making the call for the body-worn cameras. So to those who are wearing blue: Love our police, but call for justice!" she urged. 

 

Defence attorney Bert Samuels, who also participated in the protest, said the authorities have come under greater scrutiny as a result of their own actions.

 

Citing the George Floyd case in the United States, Mr. Samuels said globally, people are "taking a second look at law enforcement who is paid by the public but is taking down members of the public in cold blood. And sometimes I say if they can do certain things in broad daylight, what are they doing under the cover of darkness?" 

 

The protest took place under the watchful eyes of the police, who made good on their promise to maintain a presence to ensure order. 

 

But the Jamaica Police Federation has hit back at the JFJ, citing the over 35% gains made in crime fighting as proof that the police has been achieving its mandate. 

 

One protester, who heeded the counter call, questioned the JFJ's apparent silence when civilians are murdered by criminals. 

 

The protester as well as a handful of others donned blue in support of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. 

 

The JFJ protest comes amid the ongoing trial of three police officers in relation to the death of Mario Deane, who died on August 6, 2014, three days after he was beaten while in custody at the Barnett Street Police lock-up.

 

He had been taken into custody for possession of a ganja spliff. 

 

The start of trials for several other men who were reportedly killed at the hands of police have also been delayed. 

 

Meanwhile, National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang in response to Tuesday's protest, accused the human rights group of ignoring the trauma being faced by families, particularly children who have been orphaned by criminals. 

 

"Those of us who care for them understand the trauma they go through.... The police know them, members of Parliament from either side know them, and we need to find a way to support these really humble young victims of crime, the orphans of crime. There are too many of them and they are the prime recruits for further crime," he warned. 

 

He was speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon ahead of his Sectoral Debate presentation.