Dear Editor,
Parliament is now in summer recess, but it is significant that the member of parliament for West Kingston, Mr Desmond McKenzie, has failed to ask for a debate about what Government intends to do about compensation for the physical destruction committed by the security forces in his constituency in 2010.
The then prime minister, through Cabinet, instructed the Ministry of Finance to make payments to residents for property damage, for burial, for the market, and as a result nearly $90 million was paid out.
This amount does not in any way address the damage done to the property of those who received np compensation whatsoever, those who were inadequately compensated, and those who were physically damaged and cannot afford expensive medication which they must take for the rest of their lives.
Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding. by instructing payment to these residents, has admitted liability on behalf of the state and the state now has a moral and legal obligation to fully comply with the spirit of this admission of state culpability.
So, are we now witnessing a callous convergence between the two parties that these victims are of no consequence? The Government, for example, has refused my Acces To Information request to release the documentation which authorises payment. Very convenient.
The member of parliament for the area is uniquely positioned to influence this aspect of justice for the residents, and it is time for him to focus on how to truly join the struggle for justice.
Lloyd D'Aguilar
on behalf of the Tivoli Committee
Justice for West Kingston residents
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Parliament is now in summer recess, but it is significant that the member of parliament for West Kingston, Mr Desmond McKenzie, has failed to ask for a debate about what Government intends to do about compensation for the physical destruction committed by the security forces in his constituency in 2010.
The then prime minister, through Cabinet, instructed the Ministry of Finance to make payments to residents for property damage, for burial, for the market, and as a result nearly $90 million was paid out.
This amount does not in any way address the damage done to the property of those who received np compensation whatsoever, those who were inadequately compensated, and those who were physically damaged and cannot afford expensive medication which they must take for the rest of their lives.
Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding. by instructing payment to these residents, has admitted liability on behalf of the state and the state now has a moral and legal obligation to fully comply with the spirit of this admission of state culpability.
So, are we now witnessing a callous convergence between the two parties that these victims are of no consequence? The Government, for example, has refused my Acces To Information request to release the documentation which authorises payment. Very convenient.
The member of parliament for the area is uniquely positioned to influence this aspect of justice for the residents, and it is time for him to focus on how to truly join the struggle for justice.
Lloyd D'Aguilar
on behalf of the Tivoli Committee
Justice for West Kingston residents
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