Jamaica is facing growing public outrage following the fatal police shooting of Latoya “Buju” Bulgin and the controversial manner in which her body was handled by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force during the incident in Granville, St James.
Amid mounting criticism and widespread circulation of disturbing video footage, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has directed the Jamaica Constabulary Force to urgently review and reform its procedures for handling injured and deceased persons at crime scenes, stressing that the preservation of human life and dignity must remain central to policing.
Speaking Friday during the graduation ceremony for the 91st Staff and Junior Command Courses at the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St Catherine, Holness acknowledged the public concern surrounding the incident and said the matter would be addressed at the National Security Council level.
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“It is a complex subject because we don’t always have emergency services readily available, but these are issues that must be carefully examined,” Holness said. “Protocols and proper procedures need to be established regarding how injured persons are assisted and how deceased individuals are removed from crime scenes.”
The prime minister emphasized that Jamaica’s development is not only about economic progress, but also about building a society grounded in humanity and respect.
“How we treat our injured, our most vulnerable, and the remains of the deceased says a great deal about the kind of civilization we are building,” he stated. “If the JCF is transforming, then this must also be part of that transformation.”
The controversy stems from the May 17 shooting death of Bulgin, who was reportedly transporting residents to a protest over the earlier police killing of 17-year-old Tjey Edwards in the same community.
Closed-circuit television footage circulating online appeared to show a police officer firing toward Bulgin while she sat behind the wheel of a Toyota Voxy after being stopped by police in Granville Square. Police later claimed that Bulgin had threatened to run over the officer involved.
The footage further showed officers removing Bulgin from the vehicle by her legs before placing her on the ground and later lifting and placing her into the back of a police pickup truck. The handling of her body, captured on video, triggered widespread condemnation across Jamaica and throughout the diaspora, with many describing the actions as inhumane and deeply disturbing.
Public anger escalated the following day as residents mounted fiery protests, blocking roads with trees, appliances, and debris across sections of Granville.
The police officer involved has since been interdicted by the high command while investigations are being conducted by the Independent Commission of Investigations and the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau.
Holness extended condolences to Bulgin’s family and community, acknowledging the pain and anger the incident has caused nationwide.
“At the core of this is humanity and dignity,” he said. “That’s what it comes down to — humanity, dignity, and respect.”
While recognizing the difficult and high-pressure realities faced by police officers, Holness stressed that professionalism, discipline, and accountability must guide law enforcement operations at all times.
“Hyper-vigilance can keep an officer alive, but it must be managed through proper training, supervision, and discipline,” he said. “Understanding the pressures of policing does not excuse indiscipline, unlawful conduct, or poor judgment.”
The prime minister also warned that public trust in the police could be undermined if officers fail to demonstrate compassion and integrity in carrying out their duties, despite recent progress in reducing violent crime.
Holness noted that Jamaica recorded 204 murders as of May 19 this year, compared to 268 during the same period last year, a 24 percent decline, but cautioned that improved crime statistics mean little if confidence in law enforcement erodes.
“As we become more effective in fighting crime, we must remember that our actions depend on the support of the public,” he said. “It is dignity, integrity, and compassion in the execution of your duties that distinguish you and give value to the uniform you wear.”
