Dear Editor,

Stand Up For Jamaica (SUFJ) expresses deep concern following the fatal shooting of Latoya Bulgin, otherwise known as Buju, by a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in Granville, St James, on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Bulgin was reportedly travelling in connection with a community protest following the earlier fatal shooting of 17-year-old Tjey Edwards by members of the security forces one week prior.

SUFJ extends condolence to Bulgin’s family and the wider community as Jamaicans continue to grapple with another deeply troubling fatal encounter involving the State. Having reviewed the widely circulated video footage and closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings, SUFJ believes the incident raises serious questions regarding the proportionality of force used, the tactical conduct of the officers involved, and the handling of the scene afterwards.

The JCF’s own Use of Force Policy states that lethal force must only be used when absolutely necessary and proportionate to an imminent threat to life. The policy also explicitly cautions against firing at moving vehicles solely because they are attempting to leave a scene.

Equally disturbing are videos appearing to show Bulgin’s body being forcibly removed from the vehicle and handled in a manner many Jamaicans have found distressing and inhumane. Proper scene preservation and evidentiary integrity are critical in any fatal shooting investigation.

SUFJ also notes public concerns raised by a certified detective forensic crime scene investigator formerly assigned to the Technical Services Branch of the JCF, who publicly questioned the tactical decisions made during the incident, the handling of the vehicle and scene immediately after the shooting, and whether accepted forensic and operational procedures were followed.

While independent forensic commentary does not replace a formal investigation, the concerns raised further underscore the urgent need for a transparent, impartial, and comprehensive inquiry.

According to Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), 130 civilians have reportedly been fatally shot by security forces so far in 2026, including 15 in May alone. The Granville incident once again highlights the importance of accountability, transparency, and the consistent use of body-worn cameras during police operations. Indecom has confirmed that none of the officers assigned to crowd control duties at the scene were equipped with body-worn cameras at the time of the shooting.

SUFJ welcomes the decision by the JCF high command to place the involved officer on interdiction pending investigation and calls on Indecom to investigate all aspects of the incident. SUFJ believes that investigations should be extended to the team operating on the spot.

SUFJ has been advocating for body camera use to ensure transparency, but our call has been regularly undermined by Minister of Security Dr Horace Chang. Robust changes need to be supported by all Jamaicans to prevent such unacceptable episodes.

Stand Up for Jamaica