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the JDF about their capabilities and they don’t ask me about
the JCF.”
Mr. Golding
10.127.
Before concluding his evidence-in-chief, Mr. Golding said that he
had received reports of the use of mortars “from residents”. He raised the
matter with CDS Saunders –
“And his response to me was that those were not incendiary
devices and had more bark than bite and were used for
psychological effect. They would not do mortar damage but
would sound like mortars.”
10.128.
Under cross-examination by Mr. Gordon, the Prime Minister said
this –
“Much long after, in response to concerns raised in the
media, the JDF admitted that mortars were used (a) to
dismantle obstacles and (b) were fired into open areas
where no one was. I was surprised because when I asked
the CDS if mortars were used, he advised me that what
were used were devices to create an impression.”
Lt. Col. Sewell
10.129.
On 24 June 2015, in answer to Mr. McBean Q.C., Lt. Col. Sewell
said –
“I was aware of mortars being used by the JDF during the
operation. I heard exceedingly loud explosions. They
appeared to have come from several areas including Tivoli
Gardens. At the time of the mortar explosions, none of 2JR
was in Tivoli Gardens. I was not aware where they landed.
After we had secured the community, I was aware that
mortars had been used. The feedback from residents
suggested that there were loud explosions. I saw areas
pointed out by citizens where they said things had fallen
from the sky in Java – varying degrees of houses with
holes… In the area of the Community Centre, I saw no signs
of damage by mortars. I was not aware who was