KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of National Security Robert Montague says he is disappointed with the report from Police Commissioner George Quallo on the circumstances surrounding Monday evening’s activities, which resulted in a traffic pileup on the Palisadoes Road leading to the Norman Manley International Airport.

Montague said the report did not meet the standards, which the Jamaican public has come to expect from Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

He said the report is inadequate as it has not addressed the questions he raised; it did not outline the conditions of approval and did not clearly speak to a policing plan that was put in place for the event.

Montague said as minister, he cannot accept the report as it is not reflective of the hard work of the men and women who protect Jamaica daily.

He said it is on their behalf that he had no choice but to reject it.

Montague said based on reports from the public, the police personnel on the ground displayed the utmost professionalism and courtesy, in the face of the hostile behaviour from members of the public. Noting that there needs to be a fulsome account to the public, the minister said the police personnel at the location cannot be held solely responsible for the inadequate planning that would have gone into preparations for the event.

Montague said he expects the Police High Command to demonstrate the level of accountability that is required in the circumstances.

The National Security Minister has granted the Police Commissioner’s request for more time to prepare a comprehensive report, which will be submitted on Friday, January 5.

Montague noted that the taxpayers of Jamaica have invested heavily in the JCF. He pointed out that billions of dollars have been spent over the last five (5) years, and as the police force makes the transition to a police service, it is expected that the public will continue to see returns on their investment.

In reminding the Police Commissioner that under Section 3 of the Constabulary Force Act, he has sole operational command and superintendence of the force, Montague said someone must be held accountable.