MP for Western Kingston Desmond McKenzie says based on the recent happenings in Denham Town between the residents and security forces, that there is a clear need for intervention. He also reminded the community that there are measures in place if they feel that they have been unjustly treated.

‘We have been through a lot’

McKenzie urges Denham Town to repair image, mend relationship with security forces

26 Apr 2022/Asha Wilks

KINGSTON WESTERN Member of Parliament Desmond McKenzie has expressed concern over the frayed relationship between his constituents and the security forces, which degenerated further last week as Denham Town as a fiery protest erupted following the shooting death of Horaine Glenn by a soldier.

According to the police, Glenn was shot two Saturdays ago after he reportedly emptied the contents of a beer bottle on soldiers as they tired to search four men while on foot patrol. When they tried to accost Glenn, he reportedly attempted to disarm a soldier and was shot four times. The residents have challenged that account, stating that the 32-yearold was killed in cold blood.

Tension has been high in the community since then, and last week, residents staged two days of protests, blocking sections of Charles Street, North Street, and Spanish Town Road.

Speaking at an awards ceremony for 28 Denham Town beneficiaries of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund’s Integrated Community Development Project Phase 2, last Friday, McKenzie lamented the breakdown in the relationship.

“Last week wasn’t a good time for West Kingston,” said the member of parliament, calling for mutual respect to be re-established between civilians and the security forces.

McKenzie said that after also seeing a widely circulated video of a young man kicking a member of the Jamaica Defence Force within the constituency, it was clear that there was a need for intervention.

“I want to say to my constituency, ... if there is a case where the community feels as if justice was not done in the correct way, there is a mechanism in place to raise these concerns,” he said as he condemned the actions.

He noted that residents have been cooperating with the Independent Commission of Investigations, which is investigating the circumstances surrounding Glenn’s death.

“A life has been lost. You can’t replace that life, but we must become more responsible and respectful to members of security forces,” he said.

The member of parliament noted that respect was a “twoway street”, also calling on the military and police personnel to treat citizens with civility and professionalism.

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