West Kingston Enquiry: Another cop gives contradicting evidence

Another senior police officer has given evidence before the West Kingston Commission of Enquiry contradicting the testimony of a Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) commander about events in their area of responsibility during the May 2010 operation in Tivoli Gardens.

Superintendent Everton Tabannah testified this morning that he received a telephone call from his JDF counterpart, Major Luis Cheverria, about 5 o'clock to inform him that the area was safe for his team of 54 police personnel to enter.

However, Superintendent Tabannah told the commission that as he and his men entered the west Kingston community they came under sustained gunfire that forced them to seek refuge inside Tivoli Gardens High School.

Superintendent Tabannah and Major Cheverria both led troops that were based in the same area.

Major Cheverria testified two weeks ago that the area was secured by 3:30 on the afternoon of May 24, 2010.

He said Superintendent Tabannah and his team arrived in the area shortly before 4 o'clock.

The JDF commander also testified that there was no more gunfire in the community that day.