The Police Civilian Oversight Authority (PCOA) says it will be probing reports of a tuberculosis outbreak at two Corporate Area jails after suspected infections of defendants currently on trial with the Tesha Miller faction of the Klansman Gang forced a premature adjournment Thursday.

A representative of the authority — which is responsible for the inspection of police stations, lock-ups and other agencies of the constabulary — speaking briefly with the Jamaica Observer, on condition of anonymity, said: “Regarding the matter at hand, presently, just as you, we are just hearing about the matter…we have to do our own investigations…to ensure they are true…We have to do our own due diligence, we have to look into those reports, that’s a part of our mandate.” Inspection and monitoring officers from the authority have conducted inspections of the largest prisoners in custody (PIC) stations in various police divisions from time to time. PIC inspections form part of the annual inspection schedule.

On Thursday, the first indication that all was not well among the 25 defendants seated in the docks in courtroom 1 at the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston came from medical doctor Paul Robinson, who is a defendant in the matter, just ahead of the luncheon adjournment.

Mere seconds after Justice Dale Palmer, who is trying the judge-alone matter, indicated that the court would be rising for the break, a tetchy Robinson rose from his assigned seat and stepped forward. When told he should voice his concern to an attorney who would then address the judge on his behalf, an exasperated Robinson said, “I don’t want to speak to a lawyer, I need to speak to Justice.”

Dr Robinson, who had been spotted laughing and commenting in muted tones with his co-accused comfortably at other points during the sitting on Thursday, insisted to court officers around him that the accused Travis Drummond, who sits beside him, was “sick” and should be seen by a doctor as he had no desire to “be contaminated”.

He further complained to a nearby cop that he had “been noticing” what was “happening” with his co-accused since the trial began.

Following the doctor’s complaints, defence attorney Kemar Robinson (no relation), in addressing the court, said Drummond “is not feeling well” and was in need of medical attention, in the opinion of the accused doctor.

“The good doctor beside him diagnosed him, it appears. He is of the view that he is in need of urgent medical attention. It would appear that the court would need to give some orders in terms of the accused receiving some medical attention. Based on what the doctor is saying, it may be necessary for all of the accused,” the attorney told Justice Palmer.

The revelation caused much consternation amongst attorneys, with several immediately donning masks.

Following a whispered conference between himself, members of the defence bar, and the Crown, Justice Palmer said, “Based on what I was advised it would be prudent if all the defendants in this matter be taken for medical attention, and perhaps it’s wise that we adjourn for the day.”

Noting comments by attorney Kemar Robinson that it would also be prudent that the court grant an order for the accused Drummond to be “facilitated elsewhere” for the duration of the matter, Justice Palmer ordered that he should be “relocated immediately”. The attorney, in a further request, said the accused Dwayne Frater was also unwell and requested that he also be relocated.

Noting that the “urgency rests primarily on Drummond and Frater”, the attorney said there was a “flare-up” at the particular lock-ups where the two were being housed, and named the Half-Way-Tree police lock-up in St Andrew and the Greater Portmore (One Hundred Man) lock-up in St Catherine as two locations where the disease was said to be affecting inmates.

“They may need to be relocated, and I need urgently to know that we can be guided going forward in relation to how we proceed,” Justice Palmer said in relation to the medical assessments. The matter was adjourned to Monday, February 9.

Alleged Klansman boss Tesha Miller and his 24 co-accused are all charged for the offence of being part of a criminal organisation and will answer to charges of murder, conspiracy to murder, wounding with intent, robbery with aggravation, and attempted robbery. Miller is the sole accused on count one of the indictment which charges him with being the leader of a criminal organisation. Dr Robinson is charged on count 12 of the Crown’s indictment for knowingly providing a benefit to a criminal organisation contrary to section 8 (1) of the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organizations) Act.

The Crown alleged that Robinson, between February 24 and 25, 2018, provided a benefit to the organisation by treating one of its members. He is also facing trial on count 2 of the indictment, which charges him with being part of a criminal organisation. He is, however, the only defendant on bail.