Security review ordered of some gov’t buildings following Gordon House attempted arson

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting that a high-level investigation has been launched into the attempted arson at Gordon House.

A senior detective from the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) is leading the probe.

Further, Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake, has also ordered a review and assessment of the security arrangements of a number of scheduled premises.

Scheduled premises include Jamaica House, Gordon House, Kings House, and the headquarters of ministries.

The police report that about 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, JCF members attached to the Protective Services Division were on regular duty at the Parliament building when they detected the smell of smoke.

Upon conducting an external check of the building, they discovered smoke at the entrance and detected an odour similar to kerosene, according to the police.
It was reported that they observed a partially burnt plastic bottle on the floor and burn marks on the front doors.

CCTV footage reviewed shortly thereafter revealed that a lone individual threw a plastic bottle containing an accelerant at the building and ignited it before fleeing north along Duke Street on foot.

The police say the fire extinguished naturally, resulting in minimal damage estimated at approximately $80,000.

The JCF says this attack on Gordon House, the Parliament of Jamaica, represents a significant and concerning event.

The JCF says it is committed to thoroughly investigating the incident to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.

Anyone with information is being urged to come forward.  

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