Residents of Tivoli Gardens and surrounding West Kingston communities have threatened to march in a call on authorities to end the Commission of Enquiry currently taking place at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston.
The residents say that they are not pleased with the proceedings in the enquiry and are calling for it to be scrapped and a decision made to instead compensate those affected in the May, 2010 incursion by the security forces.
“We have been closely watching the enquiry, but we don’t feel any justice going come out of this for us. We believe it is best the authorities end the enquiry and compensate those residents who have suffered as a result of the incursion,” 60-year-old Marcia Morgan told the Jamaica Observer.
The West Kingston resident was part of a group of women and children who Sunday came out of their homes to voice their views.
“I also share that position; instead of spending all of this money on the Commission of Enquiry a fraction of the money used on the proceedings could help people who suffered to restart their lives,” said Sophia Beswick.
As the women shared their concerns some residents in the crowd said that they were willing to stage a march in the area to let their voices be heard.
“Right now when I look back on what has happened I suffered. I even lost a family member as a result of the incursion, but based on what is taking place in the enquiry I don’t see how that will help me in moving forward,” said another resident who identified herself as Sandra.
“We are calling for the authorities to halt this enquiry right now to send a message. People in the area are willing to stage a peace march to let them know we want an end to all what is taking place, is better them compensate the affected people,” said another resident.
Dave Hanson, another resident, insisted that the Commission of Enquiry is a waste of money.
“I think this Commission of Enquiry is all for show and a waste of money, all it is doing is putting money into the pockets of a set of bigwigs. So many things could be done with the money used to organise the enquiry,” he said.
“Compensate us for our losses, we no want no more enquiry,” added Samantha Clarke, another resident.
Jamaica Observer
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