Jamaica’s first Commissioner of Independent Investigations sworn in

Former government prosecutor, Terrence Francis Williams, created history Thursday when he was sworn in as Jamaica's first Commissioner for the newly-created Independent Commission of Investigations.

The commission will be the sole body to investigate at police killings.

Minutes after handing over the instrument of authority on Thursday morning, Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, reminded Mr. Williams that he had the full backing of the Jamaican people in discharging his responsibilities.

“I charge you to discharge this responsibility fairly and objectively. It is a very, very critical task that you are going to do on behalf of this country,”

“We need individuals who can demonstrate that we can conduct our business here transparently and I have no doubt that you would be able to do so. We are depending on you to help us to make this a great nation,” Sir Patrick said.  

For his part Mr. Williams provided a synopsis of his mission, as relatives, associates and members of the legal fraternity looked on.

“The mission of this commission is to search for the truth whenever it is alleged that agents of the state have abused their awesome powers. The task that confronts us is not an easy one but the nation cannot continue in perpetual mistrust,”

“We will train a cadre of investigators and ensure that the army and constabulary maintain the appropriate standards of accountability for use of force. In this way we hope to earn the respect of the public,” Mr. Williams said.

Mr. Williams, who has been a practising law for approximately 20 years, is a former Prosecutor in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He also served as DPP in the British Virgin Islands.