Saturday’s attempted arson attack on Gordon House which left the front door of the building damaged has been strongly condemned by legislators who have labelled it an assault on the nation’s democracy and called for greater security arrangements to be put in place.

That call has been heeded by Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake who, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said in a news release on Sunday, has “ordered a review and assessment of the security arrangements of a number of scheduled premises”.

Contacted on Sunday, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of crime and security Fitz Bailey kept details close to his chest, stating that no one has been held, but the police are conducting a high-level investigation into the incident.

According to the police, about 10:00 pm on Saturday, June 1, 2024, cops assigned to the Protective Services Division were on regular duty at the Parliament building when they detected the smell of smoke. Upon conducting an external check of the building they discovered smoke at the entrance and detected an odour similar to kerosene. They observed a partially burnt plastic bottle on the floor and burn marks on the front doors.

Closed circuit television footage reviewed shortly after revealed that a lone individual threw a plastic bottle containing an accelerant at the building, igniting it before fleeing north along Duke Street on foot.

“The fire extinguished naturally, resulting in minimal damage estimated at approximately $80,000,” the JCF said.

“This attack on Gordon House, the Parliament of Jamaica, represents a significant and concerning event. The JCF is committed to thoroughly investigating this incident to identify and apprehend the perpetrator. A senior detective from the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Branch is leading the ongoing investigation,” the police said in the news release.

Reacting to the arson attempt, Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives Phillip Paulwell told the Jamaica Observer on Sunday that “it is absolutely disgraceful that anyone would want to do such an assault on our democracy”.

“It’s a message that the arsonists have sent that nowhere is sacrosanct and we have to respond strongly and unequivocally that our sacred symbols must be out of bounds to the lawless who occupy our space,” he said.

He further stressed that the incident has to be used to review the security at the Parliament to ensure that at all times it is adequate.

“We also have to maintain our data, including those stored in our library, not only in hard copies but fully computerised on and off the premises,” he said.

Government Senator Kavan Gayle also strongly condemned the attack, stating that “such acts of criminality are an assault on our democracy and the values we hold so dear as a nation”.

“We must ensure that this individual that was responsible be brought to justice, and we must also take measures to prevent future incidents. All in society must know that our Parliament is sacrosanct and our commitment to peace and democracy is unwavering,” he said.

In a release on Sunday morning, the parliamentary Opposition expressed deep concern about the incident, saying that it represents “an attack on a symbol of the country’s legislature and law-making, necessitating immediate attention from the law enforcement authorities”.

“The parliamentary Opposition calls for a swift and comprehensive investigation to ascertain the identity and motive behind this act. It is imperative that the authorities take all necessary measures to ensure the security of our parliamentary institution and bring those responsible to justice,” the release said, while also urging the authorities to safeguard the investigation, as surveillance video of the incident is already in circulation by the media.

Soot is seen on the wall by the entrance of Gordon House. Police say they are now engaged in a high-level investigation after an arson attempt on the Parliament building, Saturday night. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Additionally, the Opposition said it expects that the authorities will investigate the absence of security personnel at the building.

“It is unacceptable that such an institution would be left unguarded, allowing the suspected arsonist unrestricted access to its halls,” the Opposition said and thanked first responders for their quick action that helped contain the fire and prevent further damage.

“We encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact the relevant authorities and help reinforce the message that our institutions are inviolable,” the release stated further.

In a subsequent release, the Houses of Parliament stated that “an expeditious review of security arrangements at the institution is to take place”.

This was indicated by Clerk to the Houses of Parliament Colleen Lowe following consultation with the Senate president and House speaker, along with the team in charge of security at Gordon House.

The release, which also urged anyone with information on the incident to assist the police, said that a preliminary assessment has revealed that damage to the parliamentary building was minor.