'Desecration' - Church groups condemn treatment of woman’s body after Granville shooting

The Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches (JUGC) on Monday condemned the treatment of a woman’s body following a fatal police shooting in Granville, St James, describing the actions seen in circulating video footage as “desecration”.

The woman, identified as 45-year-old Latoya Bulgin, otherwise called ‘Buju’, was shot and killed Sunday afternoon during a protest in the community over the police killing of a 17-year-old boy one week earlier.

According to reports, the woman allegedly got into an altercation with police personnel who were monitoring the demonstration when she was shot.

While outrage has erupted over the fatal shooting itself, the JUGC said the handling of the woman’s body after she was shot has further inflamed public anger.

“What the footage appears to show is not merely a procedural failure; it is a desecration,” the church coalition said in a strongly worded statement.

“No human being, made in the image of God, should ever be handled in that manner.”

The church group said while it noted the interdiction of the policeman involved and the ongoing probe by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), the public now requires answers that inspire confidence and accountability.

“The public must now see an investigation that earns trust, answers hard questions, and honours the life that was lost,” the statement said.

A heavy police presence remained in Granville following the shooting, amid heightened tension in the community.

Member of Parliament for St James West Central, Marlene Malahoo Forte, who visited the scene, said while due process must be observed, the incident appeared deeply troubling.

“I think this one doesn’t look so good,” Malahoo Forte told reporters. “Can’t prejudge it, but it doesn’t look good.”

JUGC said the latest incident has intensified concerns over what it described as a rise in fatal police shootings and warned that public trust in law enforcement cannot survive if allegations of excessive force are seen as being ignored or normalised.

“Jamaicans must be confident that those called to serve and protect are exercising restraint, discipline, and every effort to preserve life,” the group said.

The coalition also argued that the CCTV footage highlighted the urgent need for body-worn cameras within the Jamaica Constabulary Force, insisting that recent statements regarding implementation must now be matched by measurable action.

The churches further called for Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness to address the nation directly and assure Jamaicans that allegations of unlawful killings or excessive use of force by State agents would 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,” the statement concluded.

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