Governor General Appoints a Commission of Enquiry into the Events in Western Kingston of May 2010

The Governor General, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, has appointed a Commission of Enquiry into the events which took place in Western Kingston in May 2010.

After Cabinet received the Public Defender’s Interim Report and accepted his recommendation that there be a Commission of Enquiry into the Events in Western Kingston of May 2010, the Government prepared and published a Discussion Draft of the Terms of Reference, and sought comments from the public. Several substantive responses were received. The Discussion Draft was subsequently amended in light of the comments received from the public.

The Terms of Reference, as approved by Cabinet and proffered by the Governor General, are attached to this News Release.

The Government has also taken great care to identify proposed Commissioners who have the required experience, skill and reputation to ensure a fair and impartial Enquiry that will enjoy the confidence of the public. The Commissioners appointed by the Governor General to hold the Enquiry are:

1. Sir David Simmons, QC (Chairman) –  Retired Chief Justice of Barbados and former Attorney General of Barbados
2. Hon. Mrs. Justice Hazel Harris – Retired Judge of the Court of Appeal of Jamaica
3. Ms. Velma Hylton, QC –  Former Puisne Judge of the OECS (St. Kitts and Nevis), she resigned to become the first DPP of Bahamas. Before this she had been the DPP of Grenada (1984 – 1992), and before that the Deputy DPP of Jamaica. Attorney-at-law in private practice in Jamaica since 2000