THE EDITOR, Sir:
I find the headline "Jamaican cop accuses UK of discrimination" in The Gleaner of Monday December 16 rather disturbing.
The fact that this matter is given front-page treatment suggests that your paper does not take the incident lightly. Given the allegations as described by the Police Officer, I would implore every single Jamaican to take this matter seriously. It could happen to every single decent one of us. Indeed, it should be taken up at the highest possible level.
Firstly let us objectively examine the alleged incidents as described by the officer.
a) He presented his passport, ID, job letter and leave pass. A great deal of doubt surrounded the fact that he was staying for a week.
b) He was photographed, x-rayed and finger-printed. A further doubt of his credibility attached to the fact that he was travelling on our national airline. Whether he was travelling on British Airways or Air Jamaica what's the difference?
c) He was interrogated for several hours and eventually dumped with several deportees who apparently offended the laws of the country.
d) When the Police Officer reminded the immigration authority that he was a constable of the Jamaica Constabulary Force the response was "Police at home a criminal abroad." What crime had he committed?
e) The Constable was abused brutally, teased and insulted after several hours of interrogation, and locked away.
According to Constable Richard the immigration officer behaved like a nasty and debased sub-human. Has the UK immigration authority deteriorated to this low level?
In the interest of the Jamaican travelling public and, indeed, the United Kingdom immigration authority this matter should be thoroughly investigated. We should know whether the conduct of the immigration officer a normal and acceptable practice
I am, etc.,
ARTHUR S. BYFIELD
6 Rio Nuevo Heights
Hudderfield, Boscobel P.O.
St. Mary
