The Office of the Public Defender will commence a special investigation into the unlawful disposal of goods seized from hawkers and pedlars (traders) who allegedly trade their goods in no vending zones by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. In the case of perishables, such as agricultural produce, it is understood that these are donated to non-governmental organizations such as food for the poor and places of safety. The goods are taken away with no real accountability from the JCF.
The Office of the Public Defender takes the view that there is a potential breach of the property rights of these citizens as set out in Section 13 (3) (q) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (Constitutional Amendment) Act, 2011. The outcome of our investigations should be:
- To seek redress for vendors who have suffered loss of goods from what appears to be an unlawful practice , if we find such evidence
- Make recommendations for amendments to the anachronistic legislation governing this area of life in Jamaica
- Establish a charter of rights compliant procedure for the handling of goods seized by the JCF
- Effect change in how goods seized in other metropolis are handled
The Office of the Public Defender will be interviewing vendors and members of the JCF , starting with the vendors in the week commencing 20.7.14 , who are being invited to a meeting to be held on the 31.7.14 (at 5pm) at the Office of the Public Defender at 78 Harbour Street.
For further information contact:
M.K. Mukulu
Public Defender (Acting) (mmukulu@opd.gov.jm)
Kayla Beckford
Director of Investigations (kbeckford@opd.gov.jm)
Taniesha clarke
Special Projects Manager (tclarke@opd.gov.jm)
78 Harbour Street
Kingston
Tel.: 922-2919
922-4159