WITH CONCERN etched across his face, National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips bypassed the elevator at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) yesterday and eagerly climbed several flights of stairs on his way to visit two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) who were seriously injured by criminals recently.

On reaching the second floor he had to wait for about six minutes before doctors permitted him and his entourage to speak with Detective Sergeant and attorney-at-law Gladys Brown-Campbell.

She was attacked by a man in downtown Kingston on Monday, shortly after leaving an automated bank machine on Harbour Street. Her attacker stabbed her several times while she fought for her life.

"She's improving," Superintendent Ionie Ramsay-Nelson, head of the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN), told The Gleaner yesterday. She was accompanying the Minister on the visit.

The Minister's second stop was on the third floor where Constable Calvin Cargill has been confined for over four weeks. He was shot in the neck while conducting spot checks in the Mineral Heights area of Clarendon on September 3.

"We will be doing everything that is necessary to help these officers," Dr. Phillips said, as he responded to queries about the possibility of Government footing the bill to send the officers overseas for additional treatment if required.

The Minister described the attacks on the officers as unfortunate. In the case of Det. Sgt. Brown-Campbell, he said it was a reflection of what was happening in the society.

According to Dr. Phillips, what was stunning was the fact that Mrs. Brown-Campbell was attacked in the presence of scores of persons who watched as the robber plunged his knife into her side several times.

Crime Officer for the Kingston Central Division, Deputy Superintendent Corneilius 'Calf' Walker commenting on the Brown-Campbell case, said one man was picked up, interrogated and released and that another suspect is being sought.