Opposition Spokesperson on Youth and Human Rights, Isat Buchanan, has condemned recent remarks made by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Delroy Chuck, regarding the use of deadly force by members of the security forces, warning that the comments risk undermining constitutional protections and public confidence in the rule of law.

According to reports published in the media, Minister Chuck stated that police officers are permitted under the law to use “reasonable force” against suspected felons, including fleeing suspects, and suggested that deadly force may be lawful in certain circumstances.

Responding to the comments, Buchanan said the statements demand urgent public scrutiny, particularly at a time when Jamaicans are already deeply disturbed by the killing of Latoya “Buju” Bulgin in St James and growing public concern surrounding fatal police shootings. “At a time when our country is gripped by grief, outrage, and legitimate questions surrounding the State’s use of force, Jamaicans deserve leadership that is measured, constitutionally grounded, and respectful of the sanctity of life. We do not need public statements that appear to normalise the use of lethal force.

He argued that while the police must be empowered to maintain public order and protect themselves where necessary, the Constitution remains the supreme legal authority and cannot be overshadowed by broad or loosely framed public commentary. “The Constitution does not permit casual or sweeping justifications for deadly force. The standard remains whether such action is demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society, with the least restrictive measures always to be preferred,” Buchanan stated.

The Opposition Spokesperson warned that statements from senior government officials carry immense weight and can influence public perception of what conduct is legally and morally acceptable. “When the Minister of Justice speaks in a manner that appears to lower the threshold for deadly force, it sends a chilling message to grieving families and raises serious questions about whether the Government fully appreciates the constitutional limits governing State authority,” he added.

Buchanan also questioned the broader implications of the rhetoric in the context of Bulgin’s death, arguing that every Jamaican citizen is entitled to equal constitutional protection, dignity, and humanity regardless of background, appearance, or circumstance. “The public is entitled to ask whether the language now being used by the State reflects the dignity and protection owed to every citizen, particularly women who too often find themselves at the harsh end of violence, abuse, and State overreach,” he said.

He further called on the Jamaica Bar Association to publicly reaffirm the constitutional principles governing the State’s use of force and urged the legal fraternity not to remain silent on matters affecting fundamental rights and public confidence in the justice system.

Buchanan also called on the Government to issue clear and constitutionally sound guidance regarding police accountability and the lawful use of force. “I urge the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to immediately clarify his remarks, reaffirm the supremacy of the Constitution, and state unequivocally that no citizen’s life may be taken except in the narrowest circumstances permitted by law,” Buchanan said. “The people of Jamaica are watching. They deserve better than ambiguity when the right to life is at stake.”