And while the funeral was heavy with sadness, the wake for Henry Jemmott was done in his spirit: celebratory and irrepressible. It was all that and more, but, by all accounts, it also broke every single pandemic protocol…an event, where, according to police commissioner Chester Williams, the police "failed to enforce" COVID regulations, despite the presence of multiple officers.
We asked about it at this morning's police press conference where the department's new Public Relations officer told us that, the decision to end those pre-funeral festivities was made by the Jemmott family in tandem with the OC commanding Dangriga just before the curfew hour.
Daniel Ortiz, Reporter
"Supposedly, the outpouring of support and affection for Mr. Jemmott was so widespread during the wake that there were concerns that it was getting overcrowded. There were suggestions that maybe Commissioner had to step in - or someone in police command had to step in to get the family or the organizers disperse it or cut it short?"
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood - Director of Communications, ComPol's Office
"Well, Daniel, as you know, on weekends we have a curfew time which is midnight. And some around midnight, I believe that's when the family decided that they had to bring it to an end, for the purpose of, yes, they were getting the love and support of relatives, but we also have to respect the curfew law. And, they called that shot, along with the Southern Regional Commander, who made a decision that it was time for them to end the celebration of the life of Superintendent Henry Jemmott."
Those attending the wake tell 7News that what really shut down the festivities was a downpour of rain that even the police had to find shelter from.
