21/05/2026
The United Independents’ Congress (UIC) is deeply disturbed, outraged and heartbroken by the tragic killing of 45-year-old Latoya Bulgin in Granville, St. James, during what should have been a routine public-order operation by the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Video footage circulating across Jamaica and the diaspora has shaken the conscience of the nation and raised serious questions about the culture, mindset and operational conduct now surrounding policing in Jamaica.
What the Jamaican people witnessed was not simply another “police incident.” It was the visible manifestation of a dangerous political culture that has increasingly normalized excessive force, dehumanization, and the erosion of constitutional rights in the name of “crime fighting.” The Government’s repeated war-like rhetoric, careless language, and unwavering political support for aggressive policing tactics have created an atmosphere where some officers may now feel empowered to treat citizens as enemies rather than human beings deserving of dignity, restraint and due process.
According to reports and video footage, Ms. Bulgin was shot while inside her vehicle during a protest over the earlier police killing of 17-year-old Tjey Edwardson. Equally disturbing were the images showing her body being dragged and transported in a manner many Jamaicans found inhumane and degrading. Human rights advocates have also raised concerns about the apparent lack of first aid, preservation of the scene, and respect for the dignity of the deceased.
The UIC wishes to make it absolutely clear:
Crime and violence in Jamaica are serious problems that must be addressed firmly, intelligently and lawfully. However, Jamaica cannot murder its way to peace. We cannot build a civilized society by allowing fear, force and political expediency to replace justice, accountability and respect for human life.
The tragic irony is that many of the same political forces now presenting themselves as defenders against crime are the very forces that helped create the social conditions which fuel it:
1. Decades of political tribalism
2. Systemic corruption
3. Economic inequality
4. Youth neglect
5. Failing communities
6. Underinvestment in education and mental health
7. The weaponization of poverty for political control.
After more than 80 years of governance by the two colonial parties, Jamaica now finds itself trapped in a vicious cycle where citizens fear criminals on one side and increasingly fear state violence on the other.
The UIC rejects the false choice between criminality and authoritarian policing. Jamaica deserves both security and justice. The citizens of this country should never have to surrender their humanity, dignity or constitutional rights in exchange for safety.
We therefore call for:
1. A fully independent, transparent and expedited investigation by INDECOM into the killing of Latoya Bulgin and the earlier killing of Tjey Edwardson.
2. The immediate public release of all body-camera, CCTV and operational reports connected to the incident.
3. Mandatory de-escalation and human-rights retraining within the JCF.
4. Stronger civilian oversight and accountability mechanisms for police misconduct.
5. A national review of the Government’s rhetoric and policing policies which may be contributing to excessive use of force.
6. Serious investment in prevention-based crime reduction rooted in education, employment, mental health support, family stability and community development.
The UIC also calls upon Jamaicans to remain calm, disciplined and united in demanding justice. Anger is understandable, but destruction and retaliation will only deepen the wounds of our nation.
Joseph L. Patterson, President of the UIC, stated:
“A government that continuously speaks to its people with hostility eventually creates institutions that act with hostility. Jamaica cannot continue down a path where poor communities are treated like occupied territories and citizens are treated as disposable. The rule of law must apply equally to the Government, the police and the people. Justice without humanity becomes oppression.”
This moment must not be buried beneath another news cycle. It must become a turning point.
Latoya Bulgin was not just a statistic. She was a mother, a Jamaican citizen, and a human being whose life carried value and meaning. Jamaica must now decide whether we will continue normalizing these tragedies or finally build a nation governed by justice, accountability, dignity and genuine respect for human life.
UIC Jamaica is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: UIC Weekly Town Hall Zoom Meeting
Time: Thursday, May 21, 2026 7::30 PM Jamaica Time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82494103889?pwd=AnMaeN6YqS2wXPmMoj5QB7mNx6cCMS.1
Meeting chat link
https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/82494103889
Meeting ID: 824 9410 3889
Passcode: 519987
