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34. The gunmen who had occupied Tivoli Gardens did not
get the opportunity to detonate any explosives in the
barriers where my unit manoeuvred.”
4.64.
In the course of his examination-in-chief, Maj. Williams stated that
a Front End Loader (FEL) operated by then L/Cpl. McLennon made its first
approach to clear barricades and “got significant gunfire – effective gunfire”.
This came from McKenzie Drive and an open lot near the PWD building and two
high-rise buildings. He said –
“We were pinned down there for 15 to 20 minutes.”
L/Cpl. Marvin McLennon
4.65.
In Chapter 5, we refer in detail to the evidence of L/Cpl. McLennon
and his description of the attacks made against him and the FEL which he was
operating. His evidence was corroborated by Maj. Williams whose witness
statement summarises the nature and extent of the attacks on L/Cpl. McLennon
and the FEL.
“(i)
Immediately upon reaching the vicinity of the train line, he
came “under sustained heavy gunfire” from a group of about
20 men armed with AK47 and M16 rifles.
(ii)
When he reached the vicinity of the school on Industrial
Terrace, “the FEL was hit twice by what felt like large calibre
rounds. One bullet struck the front windshield and the other
hit the glass on the right hand side of the vehicle. After the
first impact to the right side glass, the FEL was violently
tilted to the left side. In order to prevent the FEL from
turning over completely, I used the bucket to stabilise the
FEL to an upright position.”
4.66.
The point of impact, in L/Cpl. McLennon’s opinion, suggested that
the shooter was firing from “an elevated position located across the road from
the school”.