As protests rip through downtown Kingston on Wednesday (September 22), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) confirmed its officers have arrested the alleged organiser and leader of the United Indpendents’ Congress (UIC), Joseph L. Patterson, for breaches of the Public Order Act.

The JCF, in a Facebook post today, said that contrary to public opinion, persons planning demonstrations must obtain the requisite permits from the police.

At the time of publication, the constabulary force said it had received no such documents for consideration.

“Jamaican laws require that individuals organising public marches must get a permit from the police. No permit was sought and none was granted,” the JCF explained.

A soundless, 51-second video accompanying the post shows officers approach Patterson on the steps of the Simón Bolívar Cultural Centre, adjacent to the Ward Theatre in North Parade.

Patterson was neither wearing a mask nor observing social distancing protocols.

See video below:

Words were seemingly exchanged between the UIC leader and Superintendent of Police (SSP) Steve McGregor, after which officers accosted Patterson and ushered him into a police service vehicle.

The UIC leader and his throngs of protestors gathered in the downtown Kingston shopping district with intent to march on Gordon House—demanding the immediate resignation of all 63 Members of Parliament.

The UIC-led protest was also staged in defiance of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine mandate by the Jamaican Government, despite one yet to be issued.

Patterson is reportedly among several persons arrested in downtown Kingston for taking part in the illegal protest.

The Police High Command, in a statement last night, said it was aware of a public march reportedly being planned and promoted by Patterson.

The Police High Command stated “categorically” that it was not in receipt of any application to hold this or any similar march across the island.

“As such, the public is advised not to participate in what would be an illegal march,” the police explained.

The Police High Command continued that while the Jamaica Constitution allows for peaceful gathering, “a march of that nature would not be
authorized at this time, as it would be in breach of the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) which stipulates that no more than ten persons must be gathered in any public place”.