Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter
Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Detective Superintendent Merrick Watson (left); Detective Superintendent Oberlene Smith Whyte (centre) and Detective Sergeant Claudette Duncan return home at Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport from United Nations peacekeeping duties in Liberia. They were the last to return from a 10-member party that began serving in the West African country in July 2004. - Junior Dowie / Staff Photographer
The United Nations will ask Jamaica to lend another ten-members from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to their peacekeeping mission in Liberia to continue rebuilding the West African country's police force.
Flush with pride at their contribution to the mission, the final three of the original 10-member party, who left for Liberia in July 2004, made the disclosure on returning to Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. Their two-year posting in Liberia had come just a year after the end of an on and off civil war that claimed 250,000 lives since 1980.
Challenging experience
They said they had often supervised senior officers from First World police forces which they said gave them confidence in the training and standards of the JCF. Nonetheless, they said the experience had been challenging, faced as they were by a country suffering a breakdown in law and order, the spread of disease and a lack of basic amenities.
"When we went to the airport we saw a sign for a hotel and one thing on the advert that caught the eye was that it had 24-hour electricity," said Detective Superintendent Merrick Watson, who worked as a trainer. All three stressed that the experience made them realise how fortunate Jamaicans are by comparison for their own social circumstances.
"It's something that we take for granted every day and I wish that so many Jamaicans have this experience so that some of the crap (crime) that is happening here would stop," added Det. Supt. Watson.
Great job
All expressed satisfaction with their experience, with Det. Supt. Oberlene Smith Whyte, who had served as deputy chief of staff, saying she would serve again in Liberia if asked.
"I think we did a great job contributing to the mission and I would like to encourage other people (policemen) to go on
other missions," added Detective Sergeant Claudette Duncan, who worked as an internal investigator.
As Jamaicans, the officers said they benefited from strong recognition among locals. Det. Supt. Watson said that, in one instance, by declaring his nationality he was able to save an accused thief from being killed by an armed mob when they became distracted from the terrified man whom he had put in his vehicle and instead peppered him with questions about Jamaica.
About Liberia
Founded in 1847 by freed American and Caribbean slaves, Liberia means 'Land of the Free'.
Situated on the coast of West Africa and bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire. Their descendants make up five per cent of the population.
Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf became the first female African head of state when she beat former FIFA World Footballer of the Year George Weah in elections last November.
Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf has pledged to reintegrate former child soldiers into society and 'zero tolerance' on corruption.
