We've said sorry already - Nicholson
November 18, 2005
ATTORNEY GENERAL, Senator A.J. Nicholson yesterday took the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to task for its criticism of the Jamaican government's handling of the Michael Gayle case.
In responding to the IACHR's report on the matter last week, Mr. Nicholson described the human rights organisation's stance as 'unacceptable.'
"I am obliged to note that the government disagrees with some of the recommendations made by the Commission; we have always sought to bring closure to this matter," said Senator Nicholson during a press conference at his Kingston office. "I am again obliged to note that some of the Commission's recommendations on points of substance are not particularly helpful," he added.
The IACHR's report was made public by local human rights watchdog, Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) on November 10. It admonished the State for violating the human rights of Michael Gayle, who was killed by security forces in the Olympic Gardens area of Kingston in August 1999.
JFJ sent a petition of the case on behalf of Mr. Gayle's family to the IACHR in March 2002. The body has recommended that the government issue a public apology to Mr. Gayle's family as well as grant them payment for 'moral damages' suffered by his mother, Jenni Cameron.
But Senator Nicholson said the government had already done this. He pointed to a statement he made in March 2004 in which the administration said it 'deeply regrets the killing of Michael Gayle and admitted liability for his death.'
"I believe this is a public apology and I am disappointed that, apparently, the Commission does not share his view," Senator Nicholson said yesterday.
MONETARY COMPENSATION...
Author: Howard Campbell
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
