September 14, 2000
 

JAMAICANS UNITED AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY 

PRESS RELEASE

 Jamaicans United Against Police Brutality welcomes the decision of British authorities to suspend shipment of guns to the Jamaica Constabulary Force pending assurances about improved human rights practices. In particular,  the JCF is notorious for its policy of executing innocent young men in inner city communities.  During the ‘90s an average of 150 people have been killed each year and almost each killing has been contested by eyewitnesses who dispute police stories  about shootouts.

 Responsibility for the police rests with the Jamaican government and there have been absolutely no expressed  concern about this systemic practice of executions. Nor have there been any attempt to deal with other aspects police corruption. The fact that few policemen have been brought before the courts, much less convicted for these murders, can only lead to the conclusion that the government is the architect of this gross abuse of citizens' right to life.  A separation cannot be made between the government and the policeman who pulls the trigger.

 JUAPB is calling for an international campaign of outrage against the Jamaican government. Specifically, we are asking for a suspension of all arms shipment to Jamaica's security forces. Education is a much worthier and productive way of spending taxpayer's money.

 If the Jamaica government continues to defiantly ignore the criticisms of its citizens, Jamaican human rights organizations and activists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, the US State Department, and now the British, then we believe that it is in order to call for an international boycott of Jamaica as a tourist destination.

 The right to life is the most fundamental tenet of any civilized society and where a government does not respect this right then all means necessary must be used to ensure compliance with  civilized norms and practices.
 

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