KINGSTON, Jamaica – Bruce Golding testified Wednesday that he cannot hold the view that the security forces went into Tivoli Gardens on a “murderous spree”. However, at the same time, he said that he can’t hold the view that the 73 civilians killed died while attacking members of the security forces who went into the community to apprehend then don Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke and restore law and order.

Golding said a determination needed to be made how many were killed in battle with the security forces and how many died in a way that can’t be justified.

The former prime minister said it would “leave an emptiness” that he would be “concerned about”, if the commission concludes without addressing this question.

Golding gave the evidence while being questioned by Carol DaCosta, who represents the Tivoli Committee. Earlier during Golding’s examination by INDECOM commissioner Terrence Williams, he testified that he got the impression that there was a weakness in the command and supervision of the ground force in Tivoli Gardens.

Paul Henry