THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS I tuned into the evening news on TVJ this afternoon, November 7, 2003, I couldn't help but listen to the comical response by Sergeant David Whyte regarding the advent of the lie detector test for members of the police force. As a future sociologist, I found his comment about the test not being suitable for Caribbean people highly amusing. There was no basis for his comment except that he 'heard' that the test was not suitable and some mumblings about slavery.
When do we Jamaicans start to accept responsibility for our actions? It is like saying that the reason why there are so many children born out of wedlock in Jamaica is because of our African retentionism. Slavery was abolished so many years ago, and we can no longer hang on to the plantation. There is public distrust when it comes to the existing Police Force and this has been voiced through many polls and I am sure through qualitative research studies. I am sure that there is distrust within the force itself.
What Sergeant Whyte should have said was, his association would welcome it with open arms, as this is their chance to prove that the negative opinions are incorrect and contrary to public belief. This is the perfect opportunity for each policeman to regain some integrity! If you have nothing to hide, the test will be in your favour! This is not to say that polygraph tests are 100 per cent accurate, but certainly there is a certain degree of accuracy, by which one can be reasonably judged.
Congratulations to the Commissioner! At least one person supports transparency!
I am, etc.,
NATASHA C. PARKINS
nparkins@cwjamaica.com
Via Go-Jamaica
