WATCH: McKenzie says use of pepper spray against him ‘unnecessary’

Kingston Western Member of Parliament Desmond McKenzie has described the use of pepper spray against him by law enforcement officers as "unnecessary" and "very unfortunate." The incident occurred early Tuesday as McKenzie was carrying out his duties in downtown Kingston.

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What took place this morning is very unfortunate, and it should never have happened because there was no need for that level of lethal, I want to call it lethal, because for almost 25 minutes I lost my vision.

"What took place this morning is very unfortunate, and it should never have happened because there was no need for that level of lethal, I want to call it lethal, because for almost 25 minutes I lost my vision," McKenzie told Observer Online. He added that the experience would affect his efforts to maintain a good relationship with the security forces.

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As the Member of Parliament for West Kingston, I remain committed to serving my constituents and supporting the work of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. However, I believe the use of pepper spray against me while carrying out my duties was unnecessary.

The MP was present with residents of his constituency in Tivoli Gardens following an alleged police shooting. McKenzie stated he was fulfilling his duty as a representative by listening to constituents' concerns. "Everybody knows my position when it comes to dealing with the question of criminal elements, and if something went wrong, it is the right of the police to execute their responsibilities in a professional way," he said.

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Everybody knows my position when it comes to dealing with the question of criminal elements, and if something went wrong, it is the right of the police to execute their responsibilities in a professional way.

McKenzie recounted that residents complained about a man being shot early in the morning, yet the police had not taken him to the hospital. "As a member of parliament, I could not and I will never allow things like that to pass without intervening," he asserted. He urged his constituents to remain peaceful and allow justice to take its course.

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But when people complain about a man being shot from before 6:00 am and after 6:00 o’clock, the police still have him on the ground, not taking him to the hospital. As a member of parliament, I could not and I will never allow things like that to pass without intervening.