54 / 494
53
“On 23 May, I had discussions with the Commissioner of
Police and the Chief of Defence Staff. They told me that the
situation in West Kingston and Tivoli Gardens in particular
had reached alarming proportions. During the week before,
the media had reported (and I saw security reports) that
several roads leading into Tivoli Gardens had been
barricaded. The Heads briefed me that the alarming
situation was caused by the nature of the activities, what
was taking place at the barricades and they felt strongly that
a State of Emergency should be declared. I summoned an
emergency meeting of Cabinet.
Cabinet authorised me to advise the Governor-General to
issue the requisite Proclamation for a State of Emergency to
commence from 6.00 p.m. that day. I went to see the
Governor-General about 5.00 p.m. and he issued the
Proclamation covering the Corporate Area, Kingston and
St. Andrew. On the Sunday evening I gave an address to
the nation.”
3.70.
CoP Ellington testified that he showed the Cabinet video footage of
what was taking place in Tivoli Gardens and West Kingston. However,
Mr. Golding, in his testimony, had no recall of this. Mr. Golding’s evidence, in
answer to Ms. Martin, was: “I have no recollection of being shown men in
goggles with high-powered weapons on 23 May.” Former Attorney-General
Lightbourne was more certain. She said – “I saw no slideshow or photographs”.
Prime Minister’s Address to the Nation – 23 May 2010
3.71.
The text of the Prime Minister’s address to the nation is as follows:
“This afternoon, the Cabinet, in emergency session, took the
decision to advise the Governor-General to issue a proclamation
declaring a state of public emergency for the Corporate Area
effective 6.00 p.m. today. This decision was based on
information and advice provided by the security forces that
actions were being taken which pose significant threats to law
and order in the Corporate Area.
Since this morning, violent, orchestrated attacks have been
launched on a number of police stations. Two members of the
security forces have been shot and injured.