Government Legislator In Jamaica Pepper-Sprayed By Police

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Local Government and Community Development Minister, Desmond McKenzie, Tuesday said he had been pepper-sprayed by a police officer while he was attempting to calm residents following a police shooting in his West Kingston constituency earlier during the day.

A woman sprays water on the face of Local Government and Community Development Minister, Desmond McKenzie, who had been pepper sprayed while trying to clam protesters on TuesdayThe shooting, which occurred shortly before 7.00 am (local time) resulted in a tense situation with residents accusing the police of using excessive force. The police have not yet issued any information regarding the shooting.

But McKenzie speaking on a radio programme said that he had gone to the community in an effort to calm residents and prevent the situation from escalating.

“When I came, the community was very upset because they are saying men who were going to work were abused by the police,” McKenzie said, adding that he was attempting to quell the anger and asked residents to allow the police to continue their operation.

“When I was there talking, the crowd started to gather and everybody started to make noise… This young lady said something. I don’t know what she said to the police, but the police attempted to hold her. She ran behind me,” He said as he spoke with a senior officer.

He said that when he intervened, an officer proceeded to pepper-spray him.

“I said to the policeman, ‘Hold on,’ and the policeman proceeded to pepper-spray me,” said McKenzie, as persons poured water and milk over his face to combat the effects of the pepper spray.

The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral.

McKenzie said the incident was particularly troubling because of the longstanding relationship between the police and residents of West Kingston.

“We have had a very good relationship with the police here in West Kingston. We enjoy that relationship, and we have no problem with the residents of the community.

“But an incident like this this morning is not something I can tolerate or condone. You pepper-sprayed me as an ordinary Jamaican… Don’t think about me as a Member of Parliament or because of who I am. If I did something, you had a right to pepper-spray me, and there was no need for the police to use pepper spray.”