187 / 494
186
FINDINGS
8.61.
Ms. Hinds’ property was damaged by members of the
security forces. On the evidence, we are unable to say which of the
Forces was responsible. We also believe that the items she found
missing on her return home, were taken by the security forces. It is
plain that the compensation provided by MoLSS was inadequate and
this issue requires further investigation.
(xix) Omari Gillespie
8.62.
Mr. Gillespie lived at Building #43, Bustamante Highway. He was
at home with his wife and two children on 24 May. He heard gunfire from the
direction of Marcus Garvey Drive. He locked up his shop and his house. When
he looked outside, he saw an armoured vehicle of the JDF parked in front of his
building. His own car, a Mitsubishi Galant, was parked in his yard but a
motorcycle was to the front of his car.
8.63.
Mr. Gillespie saw a soldier shoot at the motorcycle. It caught fire.
The fire spread to his car. There was a water tank at Building #43. It was shot
up. However, Mr. Gillespie screwed a hose to a pipe and tried, unsuccessfully, to
put out the fire on his car.
8.64.
The car was bought for $200,000.00 but, after refurbishment, it
was valued at $480,000.00. Mr. Gillespie said that he sold the damaged car for
$80,000.00. He received no compensation.
FINDINGS
8.65.
Mr. Linton Gordon, on behalf of the JDF, informed us that
the motorcycle was “a blockage in the way”. The JDF soldiers fired at
the motorcycle in an attempt to clear the way. Mr Gillespie denied this
and we make no finding thereon. However, we find that the motorcycle