The Defence Board, chaired by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, is to decide on the recommendations of the West Kingston Commission of Enquiry after meeting with stakeholders.

A release from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) this afternoon said the board met on Friday and it discussed and considered in detail the findings of the report pertaining to the conduct of Jamaica Defence Force personnel and the use of mortars during the operation in May 2010 that resulted in the deaths of 71 people, including a member of the JDF.

The OPM said a series of discussions and meetings were to follow, firstly with Cabinet on Monday then the Jamaica Constabulary Force, citizens of west Kingston and other stakeholders before a final decision is taken on the recommendations of the enquiry. The West Kingston Commission of Enquiry was chaired by former Barbados chief justice, Sir David Simmons.

In attendance were the Minister of National Security Robert Montague, the Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck, Attorney General Marlene Malahoo-Forte, the Chief of Defence Staff of the JDF Major General Antony Anderson, and other Government officials.

The Defence Board is established by the Defence Act of Jamaica and operates under the general direction of the prime minister, who is also the minister of defence. As the defence minister, Holness is responsible for the command, discipline, administration and all other matters relating to the JDF.

Source : jamaica-gleaner.com