The Jamaican government and the security forces are drawing up a first assessment of their operations, after five days of sporadic violence in Kingston (see news of 26/05/2010).
73 people were killed in the assaults, not counting three members of the security forces. Around sixty police officers and soldiers were also injured. Contrary to earlier reports, only two women died, observers having been misled by the bodies of men wearing dresses. 500 people were arrested, but only 25 are expected to be prosecuted.
Tivoli Gardens is still under heavy security, with a massive army presence. The neighbourhood has been combed through, turning up 22 weapons, 8,000 cartridges, improvised explosive devices and a recent photo of “Dudus”.
An independent commission of inquiry has been set up to clarify the conditions of the intervention. Earl Witter, the “Public Defender”, is to move into Tivoli to gather residents' testimonies more easily. Some people in other neighbourhoods, such as Hannah Town or Mountain View, accuse the security forces of excessive violence. In St Andrew, Keith Clarke, a 63-year-old local notable, was killed at home during an operation in the area.
Edward Seaga, former Prime Minister and JLP leader, has even broken his silence: he is urging “Dudus” to give himself up to the police and criticising his successor Bruce Golding's handling of the crisis.
We also learn that 23 “community leaders” from Kingston and the surrounding area have been called on to turn themselves in. Half have already done so, including George Phang, producer and owner of the Powerhouse label in the 1980s (see our interview).
Meanwhile, “Dudus” is still on the run.
To better understand the Jamaican situation, see our Focus: the inside story of the Dudus affair