Commentary

Glenn Tucker, Contributor

Sergeant Raymond Wilson, chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, was seen on television last week accusing Prime Minister Bruce Golding and his Government of being "... hell bent on destroying the police force ... to hide their blatant political corruption and clear support for criminal terrorists".

As he continued to spew his hateful venom, he suggested that this Government was responsible for police being "underpaid, deprived of the most modern technologies, kept in pigsty facilities", etc. Then, realising that he may have overplayed his hand, he declared, quite unconvincingly, that it was not a 'political speech'. I find this tirade to be the most incredible public display of bad manners and disrespect by a civil servant towards a prime minister in this country's history. Then, emboldened by the fact that a myopic nation was obviously unable to see the long-term dangers of this speech, it was the turn of the minister of national security the following day.

Near-ridiculous extremes

Since taking up that position, Senator Dwight Nelson has gone to near-ridiculous extremes to defend a force that no one else - including some of their leaders - was prepared to go. But that did not matter. His speech was constantly interrupted by heckling and, these same policemen, described by a succession of their own commissioners as being corrupt, heaped derision on him to the point where he was forced to remind them that he had never been disrespectful to them and asked if he could be allowed to continue his address. Are these the people providing security for Government leaders? Is this wise?

Last year, the head of the armed forces in Afghanistan made some unflattering comments about the president of the United States (US). Nothing as disturbing, derisive and divisive as what this sergeant was saying. But the words were hardly out of his mouth before he was on a plane for the 6,940-mile journey from Kabul to Washington to explain himself. The entire country - government and opposition - less myopic than we are - could see that his comments were unacceptable. Before he landed, his successor was already briefed. He was not even allowed to go back for his clothes.

The worst spin that could be put on the hiring of Manatt was that it was in an effort to help Dudus - a man wanted by the US government. So that was the spin that the Opposition put on this matter. The unwisdom and futility of this effort is known and understood by the Opposition because of its experience in office. Yet, they have managed to whip up a national frenzy which they say will not go away anytime soon.

'Manhandling the prime minister'

To the best of my knowledge, Manatt claims that they were working for the Jamaican Government, but not to assist Dudus. American laws prevent law firms from lying about these matters. Does this sergeant know something else? The new game in town seems to be who can do the best job of manhandling the prime minister. What is the real objective here? How will this benefit the people of this country? Where is Edward Seaga when you need him?

Permit me to explain my concerns to a sleeping nation. Police behaviour at that conference was contemptuous of the civilian leadership of our country. This is not just about Bruce Golding, it is about the office he holds! Devalue that office and we devalue ourselves. It is of paramount importance that we preserve a strong Jamaica House for succeeding prime ministers! Ignoring bad manners and disrespect is the surest guarantee that it will continue.

Police leaders have claimed that their colleagues are corrupt and out of control. The nation has demanded that we give them more powers. They have turned their disrespect on the persons we elected to lead us. What is next on their agenda?

If we do not awake from our slumber soon, I fear we may be preparing the womb for the birth of a dangerous monster.

Glenn Tucker is an educator and sociologist and can be reached at glenntucker8@hotmail.com.