SECURITY minister, Peter Phillips yesterday instructed the Jamaica Constabulary Force to cover all funeral expenses for 12 year-old Orane Williams who was killed by a policeman’s bullet in downtown Kingston last Tuesday.

At the same time, Phillips, who returned to Jamaica yesterday after a working visit to the United States and the United Kingdom, indicated that the government would be giving monetary compensation to the family of the slain boy.

A statement from the security ministry said Phillips yesterday informed Leonard Williams, father of the deceased, that he would be contacted by the Attorney-General’s Department to begin discussion on compensation.

“This, Dr Phillips told Mr Williams should be done at an appropriate time when the family is comfortable in dealing with the matter,” said the statement.

Orane was shot in the St William Grant Park when a policemen fired at a man suspected of snatching a woman’s handbag.

The boy’s shooting sparked a protest in downtown Kingston’s business district last Tuesday as people threw stones and burned debris, saying it was another illustration of police excesses. The demonstrations continued the following day on Spanish Town Road, after residents learnt that Orane, who was admitted to hospital, died the same night.

The officer responsible has since been removed from front-line duty and the matter has been referred to the Bureau of Special Investigations. The case file will then be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a ruling.

Shane, who attended the John Mills All-Age School, was the older of his parents’ children. His sister Shauna is seven.