Great Care Was Exercised

The Government took great care to be inclusive and consultative in drafting appropriate Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Commission of Enquiry into events in Western Kingston of May 2010.

The process began on May 14, 2013 with a letter to the then Leader of Opposition Business in the House and Spokesman on Justice, Mr. Delroy Chuck inviting the Opposition to submit suggestions for the drafting of the Terms of Reference for the Enquiry. Mr. Chuck by letter dated May 21, 2013 declined, suggesting instead that the Government send a draft so they could have a “better understanding of the direction the Government intends to head”.

The draft TOR was prepared and there was public consultation on the document which was subsequently revised based on the comments received. The Opposition did not submit any comment.

After the proposed final draft of the Terms of Reference was prepared and the proposed Commissioners identified, the Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller wrote the Leader of the Opposition for his comments prior to Cabinet’s approval. That letter was dated February 4, 2014. No response was received from the Opposition Leader.

On February 21, 2014, His Excellency the Governor General appointed the 3 Commissioners to hold the Enquiry.

The relevant letters are attached to correct any misinformation.