Minister Bunting Appeals for Calm in Shrewsbury

MONTEGO BAY – Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, has assured residents of Shrewsbury, Westmoreland where three men were allegedly killed by the police, that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
 
The Minister toured the area yesterday (March 21), where there have been days of protests, following the March 15 incident, which resulted in the death of 29-year old fireman, Andrew Brydson; his 24-year old brother, Triston  Brydson; and their 38-year old cousin, Kingsley Green.
 
He visited the homes of the deceased, where he consoled the grieving relatives and community members, and appealed for calm as the investigators carried out their work.  
 
He also asked the residents to cooperate with the investigators from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), whom, he said, have been processing the scene of the incident, and taking statements from witnesses and police personnel. He said that at the end of the process, recommendations will be made.
 
"I have spoken with the INDECOM officers, who have been here the entire week.  We went to the incidence scene and I have spoken with the area Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Devon Watkis, and his team, who have overseen the administrative review of the incident.  We are not here to draw any conclusions one way or the other. Why we are here is to satisfy ourselves after the briefing we have received both from the Divisional Commander and the ACP, as well as from INDECOM, that the process is being followed carefully and appropriately," Minister Bunting told the residents.
 
At the Savanna-La-Mar Fire Station, where Mr. Brydson worked, Mr. Bunting urged the firefighters to demonstrate the discipline of their training, and set the pace and tone for community members.
 
While acknowledging the pain of their loss, he urged them to await the report and not to rush to judgment.   
 
"Suspend any judgment or action, because prior to getting the report, anything you do will be pre-mature.  I know that you are feeling the pain of the loss of a colleague and all of us in the government service have that feeling of loss and regret … let us not rush to judgment, let us await the findings of the properly constituted authority to do the investigation," he appealed.
 
Mr. Bunting said the Ministry is mobilising all the resources at hand to support the families and colleagues, such as the Chaplaincy Service of the police force, counsellors, and the Victim Support Unit of the Ministry of Justice.
 
CONTACT:  GLENIS A. ROSE