79 / 494
78
Precautionary Reinforcement of Vehicles Prior to the Operation
4.67.
Intelligence in the possession of the JDF strongly suggested that
there was at least one .50 calibre rifle in Tivoli Gardens. According to
Maj. Williams, this Intelligence meant that gunmen in Tivoli “could defeat the
armoured vehicles of the JDF and the JCF and, with any ammunition, stop all
other vehicles.” The JDF therefore took counter measures prior to the operation.
4.68.
According to Maj. Williams at paras.18 and 19 of his witness
statement:
“18. We reinforced our patrol vehicles with sandbags
strapped to the bonnets and dashboards so that the drivers
had some degree of cover and also to protect the engines
and radiators.
19. Our patrol vehicles were further fortified with bullet
traps to make a barrier between the driver/commander in
the front and the tail-end gunner. This was done to ensure
that, if the driver were shot, the persons in the back of the
vehicle would be able to continue fighting.”
Major Kevron Henry and Bravo Company
4.69.
Maj. Henry’s evidence provided an excellent account of the matters
raised in this Term of Reference. It was clear, systematic and detailed. We
think it appropriate to set it out
in extenso.
Maj. Henry was the commanding
officer of Bravo Company (Bravo) of 1JR. This Company was designated to lead
the main effort of the security forces to create a secure perimeter or buffer zone
around the Tivoli Gardens community with a view to facilitating the entry of 2JR.
4.70.
The formation of the buffer zone was as follows: to the north, on
Spanish Town Road extending from Denham Town Police Station to Denham
Town Primary School, then east to the intersection of Darling Street and Spanish
Town Road and south to the intersection of Darling Street and Beckford Street.
Strategy for creation of the buffer zone required Bravo to use a series of manned