Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s Media Conference – Thursday July 2nd 2020

Key Points From Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s Media Conference – Thursday July 2nd 2020:

- Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the four people who were killed by gunfire over the weekend which then led to widespread protests this week.
- The Prime Minister expressed hope that there will be an end to the "mob behaviour" on display by many frustrated young people who want justice for the recent police killings. He said there is provision in the law for protests and marches but this has to be done within the law and without violence and destruction of property. He noted there is a big difference between justice and revenge but for justice to be served, there must be proper gathering of evidence.
- PM Rowley: “I believe that all those persons who are calling for justice are completely correct and I find common cause with them in that. Those who are demanding revenge, I warn against that approach. There has to be a clear distinction between justice and revenge.”
- PM Rowley noted that the Police Complaints Authority has not been functioning and there is an absence of confidence. He called for proper gathering of all evidence leading to the deaths of the four people over the weekend. If this does not happen, a full Coroner's Inquest will be ordered.
- PM Rowley said the people who are on the streets protesting the police killings do not have all the information.
- PM Rowley acknowledged that officials had prior information that this week’s protests were planned.
- PM Rowley appealed to young people not to take up arms against the police, since they will be automatically putting themselves in harm's way with respect to law enforcement as the State will meet such actions with an armed response. He said it is expected that the police officers will be armed.
- PM Rowley: Today we have five dead people, a number of grieving families, and a bruised nation looking to the future, hoping that this would be a thing of the past. But as long as we are awash with firearms and there are individuals in the community who believe they can engage in a fire fight with police, know that is a war you will not win. The police is not your enemy. The police is a protector for all.
- The Prime Minister expressed concerned about gang activity in the country. He said if gangs have united, it should not be to fight the police. “The next step is to put down this life of crime.”
- Government will establish a Community Recovery Programme aimed at communities requiring special attention. The Programme will be led by Anthony Watkins. On the team will be Hans Des Vignes, Jamaal Shabazz, Curtis Toussaint, Minister Nyan Gadbsy-Dolly, Nicola Harvey, and Akosua Edwards.

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