NINE PEOPLE were killed, 14 policemen injured, 16 police vehicles damaged and more than 152 people arrested in the three days of protest over the increase in gas prices.

Police Commissioner Francis Forbes said seven of the nine who died were shot by the police but responsibility for the other two is still to be determined.

At a press conference yesterday morning, Comm. Forbes said during the period there were 34 cases of shooting at the police, 88 cases of looting and 26 cases of arson but the figures are likely to increase, he noted.

The Commissioner also reported that six police stations were attacked ­ Gold Street in Central Kingston; Seaview Gardens; Olympic Gardens; Vineyard Town in St. Andrew; Yallas in St. Thomas; and the May Pen Police Station in Clarendon.

According to police reports, 144 major roads were blocked during the mass protest. Up to press time, the majority were cleared but some major routes, including sections of Mountain View Avenue and South Camp Road, remained blocked.

"I really hope that among the lessons that we have learnt is that Government at all times must find a way to hear and respond to people before they reach a certain stage. The people must also find a way of expressing their concern and objections without resorting to violence and the loss of life and property," the Commissioner said.