'I am not quitting' - Out-going Police Federation chairman vows to remain in office despite death threats
published: Thursday | July 29, 2004

By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter

DESPITE THE reported threats made against his life and his family, out-going Police Federation chairman, Sergeant David White, said he will not step down from the Central Executive body of the federation.

"If the threats are intended to scare and force me to quit my position at the Central Executive body, then they will have to shoot me, because I am not quitting," the 39-year-old sub officer told The Gleaner earlier this week.

In response to allegations about the threats, Acting Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas, said he has spoken to Sergeant White and was aware of his concerns. Mr. Thomas added that the matter was being investigated.

Reports reaching The Gleaner are that Sergeant White has been receiving text messages and telephone calls over the past two weeks. At one stage, one of the callers threatened to kill his children, if they were unable to catch him.

While the root of the alleged threats are yet to be detected, The Gleaner contacted newly-appointed Federation chairman, Inspector Handel Morgan, who said he was not aware of such allegations. Responding to questions about any disunity among the Central Executive of the Federation, Inspector Morgan said there was none.

"This executive body is more united than before; we have a very good working relationship, but there are certain elements out there who have been mischievous, attempting to create division among us," the Police Federation chairman said.

He noted that up to Monday of this week members of his Cabinet attended a meeting in good spirit with National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips.

"I don't see any disunity among us," said Inspector Morgan.

Executive members of the Police Federation are not actually involved in the regular day to day police duties. Assistant Commissioner Linval Bailey, a former chairman of the Police Federation, said because of the volume of work at the Federation, persons elected are assigned to various posts to conduct administrative functions on behalf of the rank and file of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).