Kingston -- May 27, 2010 -- Jamaica's Public Defender, Earl Witter, has assured that the security forces have established control in Tivoli Gardens.

"I think it is very clear that the police are entirely in control at Tivoli Gardens at this time and certainly have been for more than 24 hours," he said in an interview with JIS News today (May 26).

The Public Defender; President of the Red Cross in Jamaica, Dr. Jaslin Salmon and Political Ombudsman, Bishop Herro Blair, were requested by Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding, during a meeting yesterday (May 25), to go into the community and investigate reports about the manner in which the operation was being conducted and to interview residents.

Mr. Witter said he and the team were afforded access to buildings that had been cleared by the security forces and were able to interview residents of those buildings, who were mostly women, children and elderly persons.

He said that they complained about the lack of food, particularly for the young. There were also complaints about residents not being able to get medication and how to access medical care.

"We endeavoured to ensure that the Ground Commander made the necessary arrangements for those who needed medical care to have it, even at makeshift facilities that had been set up primarily for injured servicemen. A number of civilians had been sent or taken and treated," Mr. Witter informed.

He said that the Red Cross was able to take details about prescriptions and the particular types of medication that were needed, and "my understanding is that the Red Cross would be seeing to the procurement of medication."

The mandate of the Office of the Public Defender is to investigate allegations of injustice caused by action taken by any agency of the state, Ministry or department or government.

Downtown Open for Business

The security forces are advising members of the public, living and working in downtown Kingston, especially operators of businesses in the area, that they can now return to work and conduct their normal business safely.

The security forces will facilitate the free movement of citizens, who wish to go about their lawful business and have assured that all measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of the public.

Speaking with JIS News today (May 26), Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, said downtown Kingston will be adequately patrolled.

"I have been in contact with the Chief of Staff and the Commissioner of Police and I have been assured that there will be adequate patrols in the downtown Kingston area concentrated in the business district," he said.

The public is being urged to cooperate with the security forces as they continue to serve the public's interest. Members of the public are also advised to have available, a photo identification (ID), preferably a national ID such as voter's ID, driver's licence, or passport.

Ministries, departments and agencies located in the area will also be open for business.

It is suggested that the following routes be taken to get downtown: Slipe Road to Orange Street and all roads east of that, and also Harbour Street to Marcus Garvey Drive.

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has also confirmed that service to the Downtown Kingston area will be resumed on a limited basis.

Members of the security forces have been directed to be courteous and respectful in all their interactions and have been told that no acts of indiscipline or misconduct will be tolerated.

The public may call the following numbers for clarification or complaints: 946-1248; 906-9568; 926-1317.

Meanwhile, all schools in Kingston are to remain closed tomorrow. Those schools in St. Andrew and Spanish Town, St. Catherine, and other areas being affected by violence, should also remain closed.

Principals of affected schools are being advised to make contact with their Regional Directors by calling the following numbers: Region One - 564-7152 and Region Six - 292-4509. This will remain in effect until the affected areas are brought back to a state of normalcy.