THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON THE eve of elections, Commissioner Forbes made this grand announcement on how ready the police force were for election day. However, I'd like to disagree with Mr. Forbes' statement as on election day my family held it's breath as we all feared the worst.
On the day of the election, my father who I can proudly say is an honest, hardworking policeman was assigned to do duties at a polling station in a somewhat volatile area of St. James. When he was given his instructions and sent out, it was with great concern that I learnt he was sent out without any equipment. My father, Mr. Forbes, who has a wife of 28 years and 4 children was sent out without a gun, bullet-proof vest, or a baton. He stood there all day with his two long hands and the uniform on his back.
When I see one-day policemen strolling around with batons in hand and my father who has been a loyal member of the force sent out to defend the lives of others from weapon-wielding hoodlums, without protection, it hurts. My prayers were answered when the day was done and he returned safely to the arms of my mother who was consumed with fear for her husband.
Mr. Forbes, I know that within my own heart and that of my mother, it would have been really hard to forgive you if he had been hurt and could not have defended himself.
The expression of condolences would not have been enough as any harm done would have been greater than any support anyone could offer. So the next time we have an event like the elections on the horizon again, Commissioner Forbes, please ensure that the police force is not only ready, but adequately prepared.
I am etc.,
PHILLIP STEVENS
localizerjm@yahoo.com
