Dear Editor,

It’s been one year since the security forces’ incursion into West Kingston that resulted in the death of over 70 people and the mysterious and questionable disappearance of Dale Anthony Davis. There are still many questions that remain unanswered one year later.

The killings remain a contentious issue, as various aspects of it have been disputed by residents and others who have claimed that some of the dead were killed in their homes. Most were unarmed and they may have been killed in cold blood. These are serious allegations and they must be thoroughly investigated. The public needs to know what criminal role, if any, was played by those killed.

There is cause to be concerned about the impact on residents of Tivoli Gardens who were exposed to the raid last year May. Because a person survived a trauma physically intact does not mean that they are not injured. The symptoms in the aftermath of a trauma are sometimes so extreme that individuals often feel as though they are going crazy. It’s especially difficult for young people in times of crisis. More and more, children are being exposed to the bloodshed that takes place in many communities in Jamaica. These have severe consequences on children – their future is compromised. Many studies show that when children are exposed to violence, their brains become distorted.

As we reflect on the tragedy of the one-year anniversary, let us not forget Dale Anthony Davis. Dale was allegedly taken away from Tivoli Gardens by the security forces during Jamaica’s state of emergency and has not been seen since. As a parent, I feel terrible and can’t imagine what his mother is going through. The lack of progress is hard to swallow.

Dale’s mother has been left hanging for far too long with no definitive answers from anybody, all the while having to deal with the notion that Dale is dead. The government, security forces and the other investigative bodies have failed to release any substantive information regarding the progress of the investigation. If there is no accountability, then this will happen again at one point or another.

Someone out there must know what happened to Dale Davis, and we must get to the bottom of this mystery. Dale’s mother’s life has been shattered. She needs closure to be able to get on with it.

Neville Carnegie

New Jersey, USA