Ungodly and evil: The police shooting in Granville, St. James was merciless and despicable – Churches

The Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches (JUGC) is deeply grieved by the fatal police shooting in Granville, St. James, of Latoya Bulgin, and by what appears, from the CCTV footage in circulation, to be the shameful treatment of the woman’s body after the shooting.

What the footage appears to show is not merely a procedural failure; it is a desecration. No human being, made in the image of God, should ever be handled in that manner.

We note the officer’s interdiction and INDECOM’s involvement. The public must now see an investigation that earns trust, answers hard questions, and honours the life that was lost.

Scripture declares, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24). Amos spoke not only to comfort the grieving but to confront the powerful. Peace and justice must therefore walk together, especially in

Granville, where the peace is fragile and where calm must not come at the expense of truth. The CCTV footage also makes plain the urgent need for body-worn cameras. The Commissioner’s recent statement on progress is noted, but this moment requires a clear timetable, firm accountability, and implementation that can be measured. We are deeply concerned about the rise in fatal police shootings. Jamaicans must be confident that those called to serve and protect are exercising restraint, discipline, and every effort to preserve life.

We call on churches, community leaders, residents, and public officials to work together to preserve life, law and order, and justice for all.

We also call on the Prime Minister to speak clearly to the nation and give assurance that allegations of unlawful killings or excessive force by agents of the State will not be normalised, excused, or swept aside.

The Church is watching and will not rest until there is an answer that points to justice and transparency.