The importance of family in the life of Jamaicans is one that is heralded on a daily basis. Parents who look after their children are commended, and those mothers and fathers who leave their two and four-year-olds to the mercy of a candle must be arrested and charged by police officers. In many Jamaican families, some things are done as routine, and acts of kindness and good living with each other are part of daily life.

It is hardly unusual, therefore, for a brother, sister and nieces and nephews to visit Hellshire to have a swim, eat the good old Hellshire fried or steamed fish or lobster, and of course, the world famous festival. Good fathers always seek to protect their children, especially their daughters. So why shouldn't a father be able to go and pick up his daughter.

I have memories of taking my three-year-old nephew to Hellshire several years ago. He was totally fascinated with the fishing boats, and my niece took photographs of him pretending to be a fisherman. These are the things that families and friends do together.

My memory also takes me back to over 40 years ago when I used to drive with my father from Negril to Little London primary school and back home. Sometimes the return journey would be a very circuitous one, and had us reaching home many evenings after nightfall.

I was never afraid or nervous about driving with my father, as I knew he could protect me even though he was a headmaster, and not a police officer. The only fear I had then was whether I would be able to correctly answer the mental arithmetic questions he would ask.

Policemen murdered

On Monday night, Jamaica was given the news of the murders of a police constable and his sister, and later a sergeant and his daughter. These were police officers who always knew that the possibility of them being murdered was real. They, like the other thousands of police officers, must have contemplated and (hopefully) planned and prepared a response if and when they were attacked by criminals.

But how many police officers - with the exception of the officer whose daughter was murdered in his presence last year - have contemplated being buried with their sister and daughter?

I am not at this time aware of the motives for both murders. What I can say, however, is this. Those who murdered Constable Ebanks and his sister and Sergeant Genus and his daughter, are to be included in the group of the most evil human beings on Planet Earth. These are murderers who are worthy and deserving of the most prompt and efficient administration of justice. These are murderers who must be sought out and be made to pay the ultimate price for murder so foul.

Each time a police officer is murdered several questions are asked. Where and when did it happen? Did the murderers take his gun? Did he get an opportunity to return fire? And sadly, this question is also asked: Was he involved in any form of corrupt or criminal activity? I am not aware of either of these two police officers being involved in any such activity.

The answer to the last question deserves much attention, especially at a time when there is so much talk about the prevalence of corruption in the police force. I have maintained for some time, that there is a thin line between incompetence and corruption. I believe that whenever corruption comes to my attention, I am obliged to report it.

Jamaicans need to pray for the families of both officers, and also ask for guidance and redirection of the lives of those who are corrupt.

Heather Robinson is a life underwriter and former Member of Parliament.