The Editor, Sir:
As I listened to a live broadcast on Radio Jamaica on Tuesday September 6, 2005, during the islandwide demonstrations, I could not help hearing Mr. Derrick Smith, Shadow Minister of National Security, trying his best to lay the blame squarely at the feet of the police for the mayhem that these protests created. He claimed that they placed leadership at strategic points and that it was the police who had removed leadership from these points.
Didn't the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), of which Mr. Smith holds a prominent position, know beforehand that there are hoodlums just waiting for a chance to carry out their own brand of criminality under the guise of demonstration? How many of these so-called leaders were put in place? How many such locations were there across the island? Aren't they aware of the very indisciplined nature and character of their supporters? How many of these 'leaders' did the police remove from their 'posts'? Were there enough persons in place to man every 'nook and cranny' across the country? I'd want Mr. Smith to answer these questions.
Mayors arrested
As far as I am aware, the Mayor of Spanish Town, Dr. Andrew Wheatley, Councillor Natalie Campbell-Rodriques, Councillor Sidney Stewart and Member of Parliament J.C. Hutchinson were arrested and/or charged for breaches against the law and guess what Mr. Smith, the police have a right to do their jobs. The law must be maintained. The last time I checked, they are not immune from arrest.
I am appalled at Mr. Smith's statements, which I find misleading, erroneous and unfortunate. Is this the person who one day hopes to become the leader of the very security forces that he so often bashes without justification? Mr. Smith and the JLP should take the blame as they are accountable and stop making scapegoats of the police!
Government and other agencies need to be sent a very strong message. However, it should be done in a lawful and orderly manner.
I am, etc.,
URIEL N. WILLIAMS
williu2005@yahoo.com
Bushy Park
May Pen
Via Go-Jamaica
