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1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Appointment of Commission of Enquiry
1.1.
By Proclamation (Appendix 1), dated 21 February 2014, the
Governor-General of Jamaica, the Most Excellent Sir Patrick Linton Allen ON,
GCMG, CD, KSt.J, appointed a Commission of Enquiry pursuant to the provisions
of the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1873 as amended, to inquire into certain
events which occurred in Western Kingston during the month of May 2010.
1.2.
The following persons were appointed as Commissioners to conduct
the Enquiry:
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Sir David Anthony Cathcart Simmons, K.A., B.C.H., Q.C., (Chairman)
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Mrs. Justice Hazel Harris J.A. (Ret) C.D.
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Professor Anthony D. Harriott Ph.D.
1.3.
The Terms of Reference of the Commission of Enquiry were to
enquire into:
(a)
the situation in Western Kingston and related areas in May
2010 prior to the attempt to execute a provisional warrant in
extradition proceedings relating to Christopher “Dudus”
Coke, and the reasons and circumstances surrounding the
declaration of a State of Emergency in that month;
(b)
whether, and if so under what circumstances, state officials
and law enforcement officers came under gunfire attacks
during May 2010 in incidents connected to the attempts by
law enforcement officers of Jamaica to arrest Christopher
“Dudus” Coke;
(c)
the circumstances under which, and by whom, several Police
Stations and other state property (including police or military
vehicles) were attacked and damaged or destroyed by
firebombs, gunfire or other means during or around the
period of the State of Emergency declared in May 2010;