KINGSTON, Jamaica — The first three residents of West Kingston appeared before the Justice Seymour Panton-led West Kingston Compensation Committee yesterday, marking the start of hearings involving aggrieved people who are claiming compensation for damages incurred from the events of May 2010.

A news release from the Ministry of Justice said Wednesday that the three-member committee, which commenced working in the first week of November, has already reviewed more than 70 files pertaining to claims against the State.

The ministry said these include statements that were made before the Commission of Enquiry and complaints made to the Office of the Public Defender. In addition, information regarding partial awards that were made to residents through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has also been reviewed and will be considered in determining a final assessment that is to be made to respective claimants, the ministry said.

Affected residents of West Kingston, including Tivoli Gardens, have been invited by way of public notice to file claims against the State through an attorney or the Office of the Public Defender by December 5, 2016. The Compensation Committee will consider cases where claims had already been filed; cases where compassionate payments had been made by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and which would be reassessed; and cases where no claims had been made but which may be eligible to receive ex-gratia awards.

The committee is expected to complete its work within nine months of the start of hearing of claims from affected residents.