KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister with responsibility for the Education, Youth and Information Karl Samuda has described as “regrettable and unfortunate” developments this morning which saw the detaining of key functionaries including former education minister Ruel Reid by members of the security forces.

Addressing a post cabinet press briefing this morning Samuda said that while he had limited information about the development, the government had not sought in any way to influence the investigative process up to the moment, and remained committed to upholding the rule of law.

“We had nothing to do with the investigations…the government did not at anytime seek to interfere with the investigations, that would be a major breach,” he noted.

“I know nothing about beyond what I have been advised, I find it regrettable, I find it unfortunate, it hits at the heart of all that we are trying achieve,” Samuda told journalists.

The operations, which are being conducted simultaneously in Kingston, St Catherine and St Ann by the Financial Investigation Division, Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, and the Constabulary Financial Unit of the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Division, began at 5:00 am today and are ongoing.

Several people have so far been taken into custody, including President of the Caribbean Maritime University Professor Fritz Pinnock, for further questioning.

Alicia Willis