Final - West Kingston Admin Review Report
Final - West Kingston Admin Review Report
Final - West Kingston Admin Review Report
OF
RELATED MATTERS
JUNE 2017
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW INTO THE 2010 WEST
KINGSTON OPERATION AND THE CONDUCT OF
NAMED OFFICERS OF THE JAMAICA CONSTABULARY
FORCE.
June 22, 2017
2. Determine in light of the findings above, whether the conduct of the Named Officers
amount to misconduct.
The review commenced on February 28, 2017 and concluded on June 19,2017.
2017. We hereby
submit to you our report of the review.
_______________________ _____________________________
Dr. Hilton McDavid The Rev. Canon Hartley Perrin
Member Member
i
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE
TIVOLI MAY 2010 OPERATION
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Mr. Wray Palmer Assistant Commissioner of Police Chairman
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Page
Letter of Transmittal i
Committee Members ii
Executive Summary iv
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 METHODOLOGY 7
List of Appendices 37
A List of Abbreviations 38
C Post-Mortem Reports 40
iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In a published report dated June 2016, following a Commission of Enquiry into the events of the
May 2010 joint Police/Military operation in West Kingston, the Commissioners submitted their
findings to His Excellency the Governor General of Jamaica and recommended inter-alia:
'15.17 Consistent with our findings with regards to the conduct of certain officers
and other ranks of the JCF and JDF, we recommend that both forces undertake
administrative reviews of the conduct of the named officers. It is not too late for the
security forces to further examine these matters administratively as issues of internal
accountability and thereby signal to their members that such matters will be treated
seriously. We note that since May 2010, some of these officers have been promoted in
some cases to very senior ranks.
The Commissioner of Police, vested with the responsibilities for the superintendence of the
Force, pursuant to Section 2(a) of the Constabulary Force Act, and in keeping with the
recommendation of the Commission of Enquiry, appointed a Committee to conduct an
Administrative review into the conduct of Named Officers and related matters.
The review commenced on February 28, 2017 at the Police Officers Club in the parish of Saint
Andrew and had a total of eleven sittings which concluded on Monday June 19, 2017.
In light of the above, The Committee determined whether the conduct of the Named Officers
amounted to misconduct, and made recommendations consistent with their findings.
iv
Relevant sections of the report, statements, transcript, responses to adverse findings and other
documentary evidence were examined, assessed, discussed and analysed.
The Committee, having reviewed the Operations Plan, reports and statements of relevant JCF
and JDF officers, found that the command structure was headed by the JCFs Gold command;
Mr. Owen Ellington, supported by the Gold Command group which included DCP Glenmore
Hinds and DCP Clifford Blake. The role of the Gold Command group was to provide leadership,
guidance and support to Silver Commanders, allocate resources to execute the plan and to
establish command and control centers.
The Silver Command was established with ACP Donovan Graham (then SSP) supported by ACP
Budhoo (then SP) and team who manned the outer cordon.
The JCFs Ground Command Post was established on May 24, 2010 at Seprod. Retired SP
Warren Turner and team and DSP Everton Tabannah (including Inspector Pratt and Sergeant
Waugh) were assigned to enter the area of operations.
At each tier of command, the JCF, along with counterpart members of the JDF, had members
assigned with their roles and functions clearly defined. Members were given instructions through
the chain of command and in return members were reporting on their actions and
progress/results.
The Committee agreed that the command structure was appropriate, the command protocol was
adequate, and that the span of control was clear and effective.
The Committee however, found It incomprehensible that former ACP Les Green, then head of
the Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB), never gave evidence before the enquiry as to:
Notwithstanding that, there was evidence that extensive investigations were carried out by
members of the Bureau of Special Investigation (BSI) whose remit was not referenced in the
Operation Plan, but was subsequently assigned this task.
Despite the absence of the CIB participation and the delays occasioned by the prevailing
circumstances, the Committee agreed that effective and adequate investigations were carried out
in instances where deadly force was used.
The Committee found that the system was not followed according to the plan, due to the absence
of the CIB participation; however, the BSI rose to the occasion.
v
The Committee has seen overwhelming evidence that the hierarchy of the JCF acted to prevent a
public health crisis when ACP Graham (then SSP) was informed by ACP Budhoo (then SP) and
via Police Headquarters on May 25, 2010 that there were dead bodies lying around on the
ground.
Situational Analysis is critical in dynamic circumstances such as what existed during May 2010.
No member of the Mobile Reserve team had the duty to process dead bodies; this specific
responsibility was a matter for the CIB in accordance with the Operation Plan.
The Committee examined the role of ACP Budhoo and saw no evidence that the task of
collecting dead bodies was assigned to him. It is our view that, having given instruction to SP
Tabannah(then DSP) to make notations of the locations of dead bodies then he would have
discharged his responsibility.
It was further established by the Committee that the evidence tendered at the Enquiry in 2016 by
SP Tabannah, is consistent with his statement made six years earlier on July 17, 2010.
The task of recovering bodies was something that had to be done speedily, and did not allow for
the delay that would result from stopping to preserve the location of where the bodies were
found. When these bodies were being recovered, the police were operating under intense and
sustained gunfire. A balance had to be struck between retrieving the bodies and preserving their
own lives.
The Committee examined the Operation Plan, reports and statements of ACP Donovan Graham
along with those of DSP Tabannah, Insp. Pratt and Sgt. Waugh to determine in light of the
findings of item 1 of the TOR, whether the conduct of the Named Officers amounted to
misconduct.
The Committee agreed that the charge of misconduct put forward by the Commission was based
primarily on the fact that, the Named Officers did not produce records of the location where dead
bodies were found, and the failure to preserve the scenes.
It was unforeseeable that Cons. Maxwell would have died and therefore not able to account for
the task assigned to him. Without any evidence being presented, no proper conclusion of
dereliction can be made against any member of the Mobile Reserve in this instance.
The Committee was unable to determine the accuracy and trustworthiness of the KPH records
and while we do not wish to speculate, it is not far-fetched that bodies were brought to the KPH
and not recorded. In any event, this could not be a basis to find that Insp. Pratt and Sgt. Waugh
were guilty of misconduct or dereliction of duty. It must also be noted that the records at KPH
did not contain the name of Sgt. Waugh as a person who brought bodies to that location.
vi
From the examination of the pertinent documents, it was observed that the instructions given by
the Commissioner of Police to the Ground Command, were carried out by all concerned and
hence the Committee is satisfied that there was no dereliction of duty.
The Committee accepts, based on the prevailing conditions as was evident in the statements of
SP Tabannah, Insp Pratt (then Sgt), Sgt Waugh, Retired Supt. W. Turner, that the situation was
unsafe when they entered the sector after being invited to do so by the JDF.
The Commission did not identify any specific act of dereliction of duty or misconduct on the part
of any of the Named Officers. Therefore, it is the view of the Committee, that no basis existed
for the adverse findings and comments mentioned in Chapter 15.18 of the Report, and see no
reason why, the Named Officers should not be allowed to continue to serve, in their various
capacities, the JCF and the people of Jamaica.
Along with its findings, the Committee has made several recommendations for consideration.
Condolences were extended to the family, friends and colleagues of the late ACP Winchroy
Budhoo, one of the Named Officers, who died suddenly on May 10, 2017. A moment of silence
was observed at the sitting on May 19, 2017 as a sign of respect for his contribution to JCF and
the people of Jamaica.
vii
1.0 INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
1.1 On May 24, 2010 a Joint Police/Military operation was carried out in the West Kingston
Dudus Coke and to restore law and order in the community and the country as a whole.
The security forces were met with heavy resistance from armed men loyal to Mr. Coke
which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Over seventy persons were killed; several
others were injured and extensive damages were done to properties, which include
1.2 An interim report on the operation was submitted to Parliament by then Public Defender,
Earl Witter, QC. with recommendation that a commission of enquiry be held in the matter.
1.3 By instrument issued under the hands of His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick
Linton Allen ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J Governor General of Jamaica, on February 21, 2014,
three Commissioners were appointed under the provisions of the Commission of Enquiry
Act 1873 (as amended), to enquiry into the events, with specific terms of reference.
1.4 Public hearings of the enquiry began on December 1, 2014 and were conducted in 9
sessions which concluded on February 19th 2016. Ninety four persons gave evidence,
which included residents of Tivoli Gardens, members of the Security Forces, Government
1
1.5 In a published report dated June 2016, the Commissioners submitted their findings and
THE COMMITTEE
1.6 The Commissioner of Police, vested with the responsibilities for the superintendence of the
Force, pursuant to Section 2(a) of the Constabulary Force Act, and in keeping with the
2
d. The span of control was effective
e. The system to ensure effective and adequate investigation in the event
of the resort to the use of force by members of the JCF existed and
was followed.
3. Determine in light of the above whether the conduct of the named officers
amounted to misconduct.
4. To make recommendations consistent with the findings.
1.9 The review commenced on February 28, 2017 at the Police Officers Club in the parish of
Saint Andrew. The Chairman welcomed all members of the Committee and stated the
reason for the review as provided for at Chapter 15.17 of the Commission of Enquiry
Report.
1.10 Copies of the terms of reference and other pertinent documents were circulated to members
of the committee and a plan of action discussed and agreed as to how to achieve the
1.11 The Committee reviewed records, documents and statements relevant to the terms of
reference.
1.12 A full copy of the report was provided; extracts of the relevant sections/chapters were made
available to each member for ease of reference. Statements of the named officers, responses
to proposed adverse findings and other documentary evidence were provided to each
3
SITTINGS
1.13 Dates for the sittings were agreed and the Committee sat on the following days:-
1. February 28,2017
2. March 10, 2017
3. March 14, 2017
4. March 27, 2017
5. April 4, 2017
6. April 10, 2017
7. May 5, 2017
8. May 19, 2017
9. June 2, 2017
10. June 10, 2017
11. June 19, 2017
1.14 The issue was raised, whether it would be important to call any of the named officers to
provide clarity. This was debated and the committee concluded that it would be
the Committee.
1.15 Later in the review, Dr. McDavid made a written request to the panel to have two of the
named officers; (1) ACP Donovan Graham and (2) Superintendent Everton Tabannah,
appear before the panel on the basis that clarity is needed on certain issues, regarding their
1.16 This request prompted a reconsideration of an earlier decision by the Committee, not to call
the named officers. However, after making submissions to the Chairman, the matter was
again discussed and thoroughly debated. In the end, a majority decision was taken that it is
unnecessary to call the named officers as it would not add value to the proceedings and/or
findings.
4
1.17 The terms of reference were discussed, identifying and applying the relevant information
which provided adequate aid to the analysis and made factual determinations.
CONDOLENCES
1.18 Condolences were extended to the family, friends and colleagues of the late ACP Winchroy
Budhoo, one of the named officers, who died suddenly on May 10, 2017. A moment of
silence was observed at the sitting on May 19, 2017, as a mark of respect for his
APPROACH OF COMMITTEE
1.19 The approach of the Committee was to properly analyse each term of reference and to
arrive at conclusions that are properly supported by the evidence. Extracts from the
Commission of Enquiry Report and other documentation were copied and disseminated to
1.20 Minutes of each sitting was generated, corrected and agreed on at subsequent sittings.
Participation of all members were facilitated, opinions, suggestions, and requests were
divergent views were occasioned. Most issues/terms of reference were unanimously agreed
on.
PROMOTION IN RANK
1.21 Some of the named officers have been promoted since the West Kingston operation in
2010. The Committee decided that the officers should be addressed by their current rank
5
COUNSEL TO THE COMMITTEE AND COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT
1.22 We wish to place on record our profound appreciation for the outstanding analysis, advice
and support by the team of Counsel to the Committee, throughout our deliberations. We
also wish to commend the Secretariat who discharged their duties professionally, ensuring
that at all times, sittings were arranged, minutes were properly organised, documentation
copied and disseminated and facilitating the overall management of the review which made
COURTLEGH STAFF
1.23 We wish also to acknowledge the Courtleigh Hotel and staff for the professional services
LOSS OF LIVES
1.24 The Committee acknowledges, with regret, that during the May 2010 West Kingston
Operation, several lives were lost, persons injured and properties destroyed, including
Government properties.
1.25 We thank all those who have given their time and effort to provide us with the necessary
6
2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 The Committee's first order of business was to establish a plan of action to achieve the
objectives. Sections of the Commissions Report that would be pivotal to the review were
identified and these were copied and disseminated to all Committee members.
2.2 The Secretariat was given the task of providing copies of these documents for the official
commencement of the review. Also, a full copy of the Report was made available for ease
of reference at all sittings. The agreed method was to collate the pertinent documents and
2.3 The issue was raised, as to whether it would be necessary to require any of the named
officers to appear before the Committee to provide clarity. This was debated and it was
decided that this would be unnecessary as they had already given statements and responses
2.4 Later on in the review, at the sitting of May 19, 2017, a formal request was made in
writing3 to the Chairman by member, Dr. Hilton McDavid, to have ACP Donovan Graham
and SP Everton Tabannah appear before the Committee to answer questions pertaining to
2.5 The request was discussed at length and by majority vote of four to one (4:1) it was decided
that no value would be added or useful purpose would be served by having these officers
appear.
2.6 It was emphasized that all the questions outlined in the terms of reference would be
answered.
3
See Appendix B
7
2.7 Additional information was identified that was necessary for the review, such as material
from the Bureau of Special Investigation, evidence from retired Assistant Commissioner
Granville Gause, Superintendent Gladys Brown-Ellis and members of the Jamaica Defence
Force.
8
3.0 Term of Reference 1a
3.1 Term of reference 1a was:
3.2 The Operations Plan of the JCF which was dubbed, "Operation Keywest" was examined by
the Committee in detail. For security reasons, certain details contained in the plan will not
be outlined here.
3.3 The JDF also had an operation plan dubbed Operation Garden Parish. This plan was
unavailable to the Committee but several JCF officers stated in evidence that they attended
meetings with the JDF at Up-Park-Camp to discuss relevant parts of this plan.
3.4 According to Operation Keywest a three-tiered command structure was utilized. The
3.5 The Gold Command operated at the strategic level and was responsible for providing all
the resources to carry out the operation. The Gold Command provided strategic intent to
3.6 Silver Commanders were responsible for implementing strategy as communicated by the
implementation through driving sets of activities which were executed by Bronze (Ground)
Commanders.
9
3.7 Bronze Commanders directly control resources at the incident scene where the action takes
place. Bronze Commanders are given different tasks or responsibilities and usually operate
3.8 The Gold Command was established and was given the following responsibilities:
3.9 The Silver Commanders were appointed and given responsibilities for establishing inner
and outer cordons, deploying ground support teams and tactical options, securing target
3.10 A number of Bronze Commanders were appointed and given detailed responsibilities.
These Bronze Commanders were responsible for executing tactical options on the ground.
10
FINDING
3.11 The Committee, having reviewed the Operations Plan, agreed that the Command Structure
11
4.0 Term of Reference 1b
4.1 Term of Reference 1b was:
4.2 Command protocol refers to the system established for the communication and direction of
operations and for instructions, orders, queries, feedback and information to flow
throughout the various chains of commands. Command Protocol is essential for the
efficient and effective co-ordination and providing updates on the progress of specific
activities.
4.3 The JCF is organised along para-military lines. One implication of this, is that personnel
are duty bound to obey and execute orders received from seniors in rank and to report on
results accordingly.
4.4 As previously outlined in Section 3.0, the operation was conducted with a well defined
command structure.
4.6 Several officers, in their evidence to the Commission, spoke to making and receiving
telephone calls to and from senior officers. Officers also gave accounts of sending and
4.7 4.5 and 4.6 demonstrates the Command Protocol was properly utilized and was effective.
12
FINDING
4.8 Having reviewed the Operations Plan, reports and statements of the JCF officers vital to the
Terms of Reference, the Committee agreed that the Command Protocol was adequate.
13
5.0 Terms of Reference 1c and 1d
5.1 Terms of reference 1c and 1d were:
Examine the operations plan to determine if the:
c. Span of Command was clear.
d. Span of Control was effective.
5.2 Span of control refers to the number of personnel under the direct control and instruction of
5.3 Clear and effective span of control is important to provide for efficient direction, control
5.4 The Committee has examined statements, documents, transcripts and found that several
briefings were held with the then Commissioner of Police and Chief of Defense Staff in
attendance, along with personnel at the Silver and Bronze Command level (See
(DCP),Clifford Blake , Former Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Leon Rose and
5.5 The command structure was headed by the JCFs Gold command; Former CP Owen
Ellington, supported by the Gold Command group which included Former DCP Glenmore
Hinds and DCP Clifford Blake. The role of the Gold Command group was to provide
leadership, guidance and support to Silver Commanders, allocate resources to execute the
5.6 The Silver Command was established with ACP Donovan Graham (then SSP) supported by
ACP Budhoo (then SP) and team, who manned the outer cordon.
14
5.7 The JCFs Ground Command Post was established on May 24, 2010 at Seprod.
Superintendent Warren Turner (Retired) and team, and SP Everton Tabannah(then DSP)
and team, including Inspector Pratt and Sergeant Waugh were assigned to enter the area of
operation.
5.8 At each tier of command, the JCF, along with their JDF counterparts, had their roles and
functions clearly defined. Members were given instructions through the chain of command
5.9 Debriefing exercises were conducted and each Commander had to submit a
FINDING
5.10 Upon a thorough review of the conduct of the operation, the Committee agreed
unanimously, that the span of control was clear and the span of command effective.
15
6.0 Term of Reference 1e
6.2 The Operations Plan established a Silver Commander at the rank of Assistant
6.3 The Operations Plan also appoints Bronze Commanders with the responsibilities for:
The Operation Plan required that those bronze commanders be appointed and briefed by the
6.4 The Silver Commander referred to in 6.2 above, is the ACP in charge of CIB.
6.5 However, having perused the transcripts, the Committee agreed that, the role of the
Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) was not clearly demonstrated in the evidence.
4
See Operation Keywest Silver Commanders on page 6
5
See Operation Keywest Bronze Commanders on page 7
16
6.6 The Committee found It incomprehensible that former ACP Les Green, then head of the
6.7 The evidence revealed that former ACP Green gave evidence via video link before the
Commission and was questioned about the directives he gave to SP Michael Phipps not to
pursue investigations into extra-judicial killings. These assertions were made by SP Phipps
6.8 The Commission never questioned Former ACP Les Green about his role as Silver
6.9 Notwithstanding the above, there was evidence that extensive investigations were carried
out by members of the Bureau of Special Investigation (BSI) whose remit was not
referenced in the operational plan, but was subsequently assigned this task6.
6.10 The BSI reported directly to the Commissioner of Police and not through the command
structure.
6.11 A complaint desk was established in Tivoli Gardens by the BSI and employees of the
6.12 Investigations into allegations of killings by members of the security forces, were
conducted based on the insistence of the then Public Defender, Mr. Earl Witter, as no
6
Statement/Transcript of ACP Granville Gause, SSP Ezra Stewart, SP Gladys Brown-Ellis and Mr. Earl Witter, former
Public Defender.
17
6.13 While it was accepted by the Committee, that the role of the CIB was not adequately
referenced, there was evidence that the Bureau of Special Investigations performed
6.14 Similarly, the Forensic Scene of Crime Investigators (FSCI) carried out their functions
6.15 Based on the evidence provided, there were delays in the processing of scenes based on the
prevailing circumstances which saw units coming under gun-fire on entering the area.
6.16 All the bodies that were recovered were identified and x-rayed for forensic evaluation. The
causes of deaths were documented, and post mortem reports issued. This was done under
close observation of overseas forensic pathologists engaged by the Office of the Public
Defender.
6.17 All weapons assigned to the JCF officers who participated in the operation, were tested and
ballistic certificates issued. All ballistic signatures from those weapons were compared
against bullet fragments retrieved from the bodies of the deceased persons, and no match
was found.
FINDING
6.18 Despite the absence of the CIB participation and the delays occasioned by the prevailing
circumstances, the Committee agreed that effective and adequate investigations were
6.19 The Committee finds that there was a system to ensure effective and adequate
investigations in the event of the resort to use of force by members of the JCF.
7
See Statement/Transcript of SP Brown-Ellis
8
See Statement/Transcript Insp Harris
18
6.20 The Committee finds that the system was not followed according to the plan. However, the
19
Term of Reference 2
7.1 Term of reference 2 was:
Determine in light of the findings above, whether the conduct of the named
Officers amount to misconduct.
7.2 The Commission in its report of 2016, made several adverse comments against Named
7.3 For the purpose of this Term of Reference, the review focused on five officers who were
serving at the time this Administrative Review began (hereafter the Named Officers).
7.5 As stated before, ACP Budhoo passed away prior to the conclusion of this Administrative
Review.
20
held accountable for the deficiencies in record-keeping in relation to the
locations of dead bodies. He admitted that he received reports from SSP
Budhoo about dead bodies being seen in the community. And, according to
CoP Ellington, he telephoned SSP Graham in connection with the same
matter.'9
7.7 During the operations, then Commissioner of Police communicated to ACP Graham that he
had concerns about bodies said to be lying around in the area of operation.
7.8 ACP Graham passed on this information to the team from Mobile Reserve to look into the
concerns. It must be noted that the Mobile Reserve team having gone to the scene,
removed bodies that were seen but could not have preserved or processed the scenes, as
they neither possessed the expertise nor were they in a position to cause it to be done under
7.9 It is to be highlighted that records were made of the bodies that were picked up. This was
Golding, who submitted copies of (what is now called the "Golding Papers") to the
Commission.
7.10 The Committee has seen overwhelming evidence that the hierarchy of the JCF acted to
prevent a public health crisis when ACP Graham (then SSP) was informed by ACP Budhoo
(then SP) and via Police Headquarters on May 25, 2010 that there were dead bodies lying
around on the ground. ACP Graham (then SSP), in turn gave instructions to SP Tabannah
(then DSP) on the first instance to have the bodies removed and on the second, he gave
7.11 On May 24 & 25, 2010, teams from Mobile Reserve, who were in the area, assisted in the
removal of the bodies. Cons. Maxwell (deceased), made notes of those picked up by the
9
See Commission Report - page 405
10
See statement of ACP Donovan Graham
21
JCF members. Without any evidence being presented, no proper conclusion of dereliction
7.12 Instructions contained in Appendices A-O of the Strategic Plan in no way delegated
authority for the members from Mobile Reserve to remove bodies. The situation was fluid,
therefore the JCF acted based on the prevailing conditions as they experienced it11.
7.13 Situational Analysis is critical in dynamic circumstances such as what existed during May
2010. No member of the Mobile Reserve team had the duty to process dead bodies. This
specific responsibility was a matter for the CIB in accordance with the Operation Plan.
7.14 When then Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green, whose responsibility it was, (as
per the Operations Plan), to carry out investigations, was questioned, he was not asked
about the location of the bodies or the recordings made by Cons Maxwell. Therefore it
would not be justifiable for the Commission to make an adverse finding thereon, against
11
See Col. Jamie OGilvies, SP Gladys Brown-Ellis' & Mr. Ferdinand Maddens statements
22
11.119 We find SSP Budhoo in dereliction of his duties to the extent
that he took no steps in circumstances where, after giving instructions to
DSP Tabannah and Sgt. Waugh concerning the retrieval of bodies and
recording the locations thereof, he did not follow up with those officers to
ensure that his instructions were carried out."12
7.16 We have examined the role of ACP Budhoo and have seen no evidence that the task of
collecting dead bodies was assigned to him. ACP Budhoo stated in his response to the
Commission that he was assisting the Silver Command when he called SP Tabannah and
gave the instructions. It is the Committees view, that having given instruction to SP
Tabannah to make notations of the locations of dead bodies, then he would have discharged
his responsibility. There is evidence that the notations were made 13 . Several officers
testified that the task had been assigned by SP Tabannah to Cons. Maxwell. Regrettably,
Cons. Maxwell passed on in October 2010, long before the Commission of Enquiry
commenced.
7.17 It is unfortunate that Cons. Maxwell died and therefore not able to account to the
'11.123 Whereas we accept that the operational plan of the JCF did
not assign any duty to SSP Budhoo in respect of the retrieval of bodies ...14
7.19 The finding of the Commission that ACP Budhoo was "in dereliction of duty" for not
following up, when that responsibility was not assigned to him, in the view of the
12
See Commission Report - page 397
13
See the "Golding Papers" where a detailed list of the location of dead bodies was included
14
See the Commission Report - Page 398
23
ADVERSE COMMENTS AGAINST SP EVERTON TABANNAH (then DSP)
DSP Tabannah
24
unexplained discrepancies in DSP Tabannah's evidence to render it
credible.'15
7.21 SP Tabannah having received the information regarding bodies lying on the ground, gave
instructions to Insp Pratt and Sgt Waugh to pick up the bodies. He proceeded to enter the
area of operation after being told by Major Cheverria, about 5:00pm, that the location was
secure.
7.22 SP Tabannah said he saw two (2) dead bodies when he walked through Sector 1 on the
May 24, 2010 and at that time Maj. Cheverria was not in his presence. However Maj.
Cheverria did say that he saw one body. No assumptions then can be made from this
discrepancy as to the number of bodies because they were at the location at different times.
Time lines should have been established by the Commission and this was not adequately
done to the standard required for it to be used as a basis to impeach ones credibility.
Therefore it is the view of the Committee that SP Tabannahs credibility ought not to be
7.23 Evidence to support SP Tabannah that he and his men were pinned down for two hours was
7.24 After receiving the call from Maj. Cheverria, SP Tabannah and team encountered
hostilities, including, coming under sustained gunfire, which prevented the team from
proceeding further into the sector and carrying out their assigned tasks according to the
Operations Plan.
15
See Commission Report - Page 292
16
Para 8. DSP Tabannah's Statement
25
7.25 It was further established by the Committee that the evidence tendered at the Enquiry in
2016 by SP Tabannah, is consistent with his statement made six years earlier on July 17,
2010.
7.26 The Committee agreed that the analysis of the time by the Commission was misconstrued.
The Committee accepts the timeline given by SP Tabannah as the cumulative time of the
series of events that occurred from the time SP Tabannah received the call from Maj.
Cheverria, giving him the all clear to enter the sector, until the time he and his team
retreated.
7.27 Sgt. Waugh was given instructions by SP Tabannah, to take the two bodies seen lying on
the roadway, after passing the clinic in Tivoli Gardens, to the Kingston Public Hospital
(KPH). Insp. Pratt and Sgt. Waugh also gave evidence that recordings were being done by
Cons. Maxwell who was the observer. Insp. Pratt and Sgt. Waugh also gave evidence that
they received instructions from ACP Graham, ACP Budhoo and SP Tabannah.
7.28 It is clear that Instructions were being given and follow-up was taking place. SP Tabannah
communicated with ACP Graham as to the situation that existed on the ground. The events
that unfolded while Sgt. Waugh was on way to KPH were also reported to ACP Graham.17
7.29 Paragraph 5 of Sgt. Waughs response to the Commission stated that Cons. Maxwell, who
was his observer, made written notes of all persons taken to KPH on May 25, 2010 and
these notes were handed over to police personnel at the Command Post. A finding of
7.30 The statements of SP Tabannah, Insp Pratt and Sgt. Waugh support each other and are
consistent.
17
See page 37-38 of the Commission Transcript
26
7.31 The Commission concluded that "a number of persons were probably killed by members of
the security forces." This is highly speculative as no credible evidence was led at the
7.32 It was also noted that the Commission, rejected the evidence of SP Tabannah that he saw
two (2) dead bodies, yet accepted the evidence of the JDF member, Maj. Kennedy who said
he saw none. This was pointed out by Retired SP Turner in his response to the proposed
adverse findings.
7.33 The Commission seemed to have being confused when it said " We find it passing
strange that Maj. Kennedy walked through sector 2 and saw no bodies yet DSP Tabannah
claimed to have seen two bodies."18 and then later said "But except for Maj. Cheverria who
saw two bodies, none of the other commanders saw any bodies in Tivoli Gardens on 24
May"19
7.34 It appeared as matter of convenience for the Commission, that the accounts proffered by
the JDF Officers were accepted in all the circumstances where it is required as a basis to
impeach members of the JCF. The time that SP Tabannah and Major Kennedy went to
Sector 2 is very important and therefore it should have been properly established before
7.35 The Committee therefore does not find any evidence to support any dereliction of duty or
18
See Commission Report - Para. 10.59 on pg. 293
19
See Commission Report - Para. 10.65 on pg. 295
27
ADVERSE COMMENTS AGAINST INSP. MARIO PRATT AND SGT. STEVE
WAUGH
10.64 Sgt Waugh's evidence that he went to KPH with bodies which
were pronounced dead by doctors at the hospital is not supported by the
records of that institution. The records of KPH, produced by Dr. Natalie
Whylie, show that no bodies were brought to the hospital on 24 May and
there is no record of Sgt. Waugh's name on the documentation of KPH.
28
stated by the Major when the sectors were dominated by the JDF and made
safe.
7.37 The Committee accepts, based on the prevailing conditions as was evident in the statements
of SP Tabannah, Insp Pratt (then Sgt), Sgt Waugh, Retired Supt. W. Turner, that the
situation was unsafe when they entered the sector after being invited to do so by the JDF.
7.38 The task of recovering bodies was something that had to be done speedily, and did not
allow for the delay that would result from stopping to preserve the location where the
bodies were found. When these bodies were being recovered, the police were operating
under intense and sustained gunfire. A balance had to be struck between retrieving the
7.39 The Committee was unable to determine the accuracy of the KPH records and while we do
not wish to speculate, it is not far-fetched that bodies were brought to the KPH and not
recorded. In any event, this could not be a basis to finding that Insp Pratt and Sgt Waugh
20
See Commission Report - page 294
29
OTHER EVIDENCE
7.40 Former Prime Minister The Hon. Bruce Golding in his evidence submitted to the
Commission detailed documents of information that had been provided to him, relative to
the West Kingston operation. These documents came to be known as the "Golding Papers"
7.41 No evidence was presented to the Enquiry specifically identifying any misconduct by any
7.43 It is to be noted, that the carrying out of investigations, would have been the remit of the
Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB). Records that were made should have been obtained,
7.44 The Commission seemed not to be concerned with the dangerous nature of the operation to
extract the subject Christopher Coke and heavy gunfire targeted at the officers on the
ground, but they were overly concerned about the picking up of dead bodies.
7.45 It seemed that a lot of emphasis was placed on the utterances and perceptions of the then
Public Defender, Mr. Earl Witter. This was evident by the line of questions posed to the
7.46 Colonel Jamie Ogilvie of the JDF, in his evidence to the Commission, testified that he
picked up 17 bodies. However, no questions were posed by the Commission to him or any
other member of the JDF regarding those bodies, neither was any member of the JDF cited
30
7.47 It was stated by the Commission that based on the prevailing circumstances in which the
JDF was operating, they would not be cited 21 . However, these were the same
circumstances and conditions under which the members of the JCF operated and were
cited.
7.48 JDF Sergeant Anderson, who removed two (2) dead bodies, was never called to the
Enquiry to give account. The bodies were that of Martin Lindsay and Junior Burke. These
bodies were tagged and it was confirmed that Sgt. Anderson was the person who collected
and delivered those bodies, as his name was placed on the tags as evidenced in the Post
Mortem Report.22
7.49 Soldier No. 1 said that the police shot and killed an alleged victim in a caged area with a
high powered weapon. He also said that another prisoner protested, and he too was shot and
killed. However, there was no other evidence given supporting this claim.
7.50 He testified that other detainees were inside the cage, yet no civilian gave such an account
to that effect. In fact, he testified that he reported it to a lance corporal, yet the name of the
lance corporal was not given. Similarly, none of the JDF bronze commanders testified of
21
See Commission Report Para. 10.86 - we ascribe no adverse comment to Lt. Col. Ogilvie who, we think, did his
best in the circumstances
22
See Post Mortem Report of Martin Lindsay and Junior Burke at Appendix C
31
7.51 There were serious discrepancies with the statements of Soldiers No. 1 & 3, yet it was
accepted by the Commission to be credible accounts.23 Since the evidence of Soldiers No.
1 & 3 was given anonymously, it is the view of the Committee that without corroboration it
should not have been given the weight that the Commission placed on it.
7.52 It is to be noted that the JCF members gave statements contemporaneously after the
incident to the Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI), in contrast, the JDF members
presented their statements four (4) years after the incident. The evidence presented to the
Commission was that they all gave statements in 2010 and it was stored in soft copy on a
computer and printed in 2014 just before the commencement of the Enquiry and signed.
7.53 In contrast, members of the JCF gave their statements in 2010 all of which were signed,
7.54 The Commission should have been guided by the statements which were recorded and
given in 2010. If there were any discrepancies or shortcomings in these statements, then
the witnesses should have been questioned about it. It cannot be, that witnesses were not
asked about a particular matter which is viewed as a discrepancy in the statement given,
and subsequently, that shortcoming used as the basis for an adverse finding.24
7.55 Having examined the Commissions Report and supporting documents, the Committee is
of the view that there was no basis for a lot of the adverse findings levied against the
23
See Commission Report - Para. 9.122 on pg. 253 - We find the evidence of Soldiers No.1 and No.3 credible.
24
The Rule in Browne v Dunn (1893) 6 R. 67, HL
32
named officers, in particular, ACP Budhoo who was cited for roles that did not fall within
his remit25.
7.56 ACP Budhoo was informed that there were bodies on the street to be removed and he gave
directives to SP Tabannah to have this done. SP Tabannah assigned the task to Insp Pratt
and Sgt Waugh, and Cons Maxwell (now deceased), was assigned the task of recording the
information.
7.57 The Committee examined the Operations Plan, reports and statements of ACP Donovan
Graham along with those of SP Tabannah, Insp. Pratt and Sgt. Waugh to determine in light
of the findings of item 1 of the TOR, whether the conduct of the Named Officers amounted
to misconduct.
7.58 The Committee agreed that the misconduct put forward by the Commission was based
primarily on the fact that, the Named Officers did not produce records of the location
where dead bodies were found and the failure to preserve the scenes.
7.59 The senior officers; ACP Graham (then SSP), ACP Budhoo (then SP) and SP Tabannah
(then DSP) followed-up on the instructions that had been given to them. They received
feedback from the men under their command, and this is evident in the statements given by
the men. The Committee finds that such evidence demonstrated that communication was
established and maintained between Ground Commander, and the teams on the ground.
25
See Operation Plan
26
See Para. 11.119 of Commission Report at pg.397 We find SSP Buddhoo in dereliction of his duties, to the extent
that he took no step in circumstances where, after giving instructions to DSP Tabannah and Sgt. Waugh concerning
33
7.60 From the examination of the pertinent documents, it was observed that the instructions
given by the Commissioner of Police to the Ground Command, were carried out by all
concerned and hence the Committee is satisfied that there was no dereliction of duty.
7.61 Additionally, based on the prevailing conditions as was evident in the statements of SP
Tabannah,(then DSP) Insp Pratt (then Sgt), Sgt Waugh, Retired Supt. W. Turner, the
situation was unsafe, so the recovery of the bodies was an activity that had to be done
expeditiously. When these bodies were being recovered, the police were operating under
intense gunfire.
7.62 The Commission did not identify any specific act of dereliction of duty or misconduct on
the part of any of the Named Officers. Therefore, it is the view of the Committee, that no
basis existed for the adverse findings and comments mentioned in Chapter 15.18 of the
Report, and see no reason why, the Named Officers should not be allowed to continue to
serve, in their various capacities, the JCF and the people of Jamaica.
FINDING
7.63 Upon a complete and thorough examination of the evidence, including, the Operation Plan,
various reports, transcripts and statements; and for the reasons stated above, no basis could
be found by the Committee, upon which any of the Named Officers should be cited for
the retrieval of the bodies and recording the location thereof, he did not follow-up with those officers to ensure that
his instructions were carried out.
34
8.0 Term of Reference 3
8.1 Term of reference 3 was:
Make Recommendations Consistent with the Findings
RECOMMENDATIONS
8.3 Proper recording and preservation of records on similar operations must be adhered to as
much as is possible.
8.4 Each team that is deployed within an area should have at least one member with local
8.5 The role of the CIB to investigate should be carried out, as much as is possible, by the CIB.
8.6 In future operations of this nature, the CIB must be involved from initial briefing and at
least one senior member of the investigation branch who is able to make decisions be
8.7 Enhanced joint specialised training between both forces should be sustained. This will
8.8 In all operations, care should be taken that geographical locations of all officers be
8.9 The introduction and utilization of the appropriate technology, (e.g. body worn cameras,
vehicle tracker, Global Positioning System, drone, etcetera) must be reinforced and
35
8.10 The use of events log should be maintained by each commander and team leader. This
should be submitted along with a report upon the completion of the tour of duty.
36
LIST OF APPENDICES
37
APPENDIX A
List of Abbreviations
Abbreviation Meaning
ACP Assistant Commissioner of Police
BSI Bureau of Special Investigation
CD Commander of the Order of Distinction
CIB Criminal Investigation Branch
CP / CoP Commissioner of Police
DCP Deputy Commissioner of Police
DPP Director of Public Prosecution
DR Doctor
DPP Director of Public Prosecution
DSP Deputy Superintendent of Police
FSCI Forensic Scene of Crime
HON Honourable
INSP. Inspector of Police
JCF Jamaica Constabulary Force
JDF Jamaica Defence Force
JP Justice of the Peace
KPH Kingston Public Hospital
MAJ Major
PROF Professor
REV Reverent
QC Queens Counsel
SGT Sergeant of Police
SP Superintendent of Police
SSP Senior Superintendent of Police
TOR Term of Reference
UHF Ultra-high frequency
38
APPENDIX B
39
APPENDIX C
Post-Mortem Reports
40