Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is organizing a protest later this month to boost consciousness concerning the alarming improve in police killings throughout Jamaica. The Finish Police Violence Protest will happen on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to three:00 p.m. on the Half Approach Tree Transport Centre in St Andrew.
In accordance with JFJ, the occasion goals to spotlight the rising disaster of deadly police shootings in Jamaica and demand accountability, justice, and systemic reform. The group identified that, this yr alone, 93 people have been killed by police, a staggering 165 % improve in comparison with the identical interval in 2024.
JFJ’s Government Director, Mickel Jackson, has warned that if the present development continues, Jamaica might surpass its highest recorded variety of police killings, which stood at 258 deaths in 2013—numbers not seen because the creation of the Impartial Fee of Investigations (INDECOM).
The protest is predicted to deliver collectively victims and their households, human rights advocates, and anxious residents who will amplify their voices and name for change. Contributors will have interaction in a peaceable rally, holding placards and chanting slogans resembling “Finish Police Violence,” “The place are the body-worn cameras?” and “Accountability Now.” The occasion may also function sufferer testimonials and speeches from civil society leaders, in line with JFJ.
The human rights foyer group is urging the general public, neighborhood organizations, and media retailers to assist the motion and handle systemic points inside regulation enforcement. “We need to create a Jamaica the place human rights and dignity are upheld for all,” JFJ stated in its launch.
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Police chief’s response to police killings
In February, Jamaica’s Police Commissioner, Dr. Kevin Blake, responded firmly to criticism from JFJ concerning the rising variety of deadly police shootings. Blake declared that regulation enforcement is not going to again down from confronting violent criminals. He emphasised that cops don’t search violent encounters however will defend themselves and the general public when mandatory. He additionally famous that many people detained by police had made the “smarter selection” by surrendering reasonably than partaking in violent confrontations.
Blake issued a direct warning to prison parts, urging them to not have interaction with cops utilizing lethal power. “When the police come for you, don’t increase your weapons towards us. Lay down your weapons and have your day in court docket!” he stated. He made it clear, nonetheless, that officers wouldn’t hesitate to confront those that problem them with deadly power.
“Must you select the silly choice of difficult us with deadly power, know this: I don’t practice my police to lose. We’ve the superior coaching and firepower to make sure that we win each time,” Blake declared.
