THE EDITOR, Sir:
I have tried not to remember my experience serving in the police force for over 22 years. I have done highly classified duties at Special Branch for over 20 years. I was one of the training officers when Constable Lucius Thomas, now Commissioner of Police, came to Special Branch.
He was well-spoken, decent and intelligent. His work and tests were good. I knew that he had the potential for upward mobility in an institution that was difficult to work in. An advice to Commissioner Thomas: if you are to survive, you need holy eyes and spirit, while you put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, and to be able to quench the fiery darts in your administration. I speak from personal experience and the travesty of justice and there were hardly many persons of integrity to cause justice and mercy and truth to run as mighty streams in the force.
Covetous men
I was the sub-officer in charge of Central Police and being a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian, booted out of Special Branch. I knew all the works of covetous men. I was a Bible instructor, marriage counsellor, welfare and social worker for prisoners and the community, plus the weight of supervising the largest police station in the Caribbean. I prayed with prisoners, gave some Bibles and tracts, released some, contacted relatives and families to bail them. I lectured and dealt with sub-officers and men, never compromised with indiscipline.
There was not one jail break of prisoners under my watch of over one hundred prisoners in custody on a daily basis. When the prisoners were planning jail breaks, some prisoners would advise by secret notes.
Under my supervision at Half-Way-Tree, Matilda's Corner, August Town, Remand Centre, City Centre and finally, Central, the Lord was with me through the Red Seas, until my request for early retirement.
With my expertise and training in London, Venezuela, Norman Manley Law School, The Police College and elsewhere, I could give the Commissioner a hint or two in crossing the bridge over troubled waters. Tread softly, Lucius, speaking to yourself in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Always remember that happiness is the result of a good conscience in justice and truth.
I am, etc.,
A. PREDDIE REID
Miami, Florida
