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parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew. The eventual declaration on
23 May was a necessary reaction to the serious events that unfolded on
that date in West Kingston.
3.78.
We accept unreservedly the evidence concerning the
extensive loss, damage and destruction occasioned by criminals to
assets of the JCF. The electronic evidence we saw is incontrovertible.
The deteriorating security situation in West Kingston was alarming and
required urgent counter measures. The rule of law and the security of
the State were under serious threat.
3.79.
We are not persuaded by CoP Ellington’s evidence that it
was not desirable to inform the Prime Minister and the Minister of
National Security that the security forces should be given at least
3 days’ notice of the signing of the warrant of arrest. After all, such a
requirement was part of the JCF’s strategic plan (Operation Keywest).
It was a matter that was decided by the JCF in January 2010. Between
January and 23 May 2010, there were frequent meetings between the
Commissioner and Mr. Nelson on Mr. Ellington’s own admission. Surely
he could have told the Minister of the need for prior information at one
of those meetings.
3.80.
We find that the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on
23 May 2010 was an accurate and appropriate exposition of the
security situation in West Kingston generally. It left no doubt of the
resolve of the GoJ, through the security forces, to put an end to the
lawlessness, disorder and violence that engulfed West Kingston. His
warning that “the security forces will be moving swiftly to bring the
current situation under control” was a clear hint of an imminent
internal security operation.