Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

It was a family affair hosted by Derrick Smith and his wife, Carlene. - file

So the daggers have already been drawn and the blood they are seeking is that of the Hon. Derrick Smith, Minister of national Security. But those seeking his blood are more au fait with empty posture rather than substance, so really, no surprises here.

The Hon. Derrick Smith has one of the most thankless and unenviable tasks that anyone in the political directorate would hope for or aspire to. He is expected to correct the various ills that compounded with economic stagnation, facilitated the growth and widespread criminality that now stalks the land.

To be sure, some of those who scream the loudest about the criminals and their activities have not only helped in creating the status quo, but continue to facilitate it!

The problem for them being, when crime of whatever flavour is committed by those from within the ranks of the underclass, it is condemned and lambasted by those from the privileged class no less guilty of the undermining of the precepts of law and order, but in their blissful ignorance, failing to see the nexus of their selfish acts in corrupting the process to gain an advantage.

Custodian of decency

Mayor Desmond McKenzie and wife, Marcia. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

And so, here we are with Smith, a custodian of decency, being asked to correct cultural and systemic failings, by those who not only planted the seeds of corruption, but continue to see it through to maturity, by commission and/or omission, while prattling on about the sad state of affairs!

Now, make no bones about it, Smith will have to deliver. And the first step in achieving this must be the fortitude to demonstrate to those under his charge, that indeed, there is a new boss.

He should, however, never fool himself into thinking that, some of those calling loudest for something to be done to stem the haemorrhagic effects of criminal activity on the society, not only facilitate its growth, they are tied at the umbilical chord to the criminals and owe their financial successes to the criminal enterprise they publicly eschew!

Let us understand and acknowledge, that in order to break the back of the criminal organisation, there will have to be the offering up of a few sacrificial lambs and must include the puppet masters, whether they are to be found in the ranks of the political establishment or the cosy atmosphere of the upper reaches and echelons of would-be polite society!

Anyway, my daahlings, to thank the many friends and supporters who have supported him over the years, culminating with his being named to the post of security minister, The Hon Derrick Smith, and his charming wife, Carlene, hosted a reception last Thursday at the Courtleigh Auditorium, in New Kingston.

The affair was scheduled for the Smiths' Norbrook residence, only to be relocated due to the drenching rains that pelted the city all day Thursday. However, the rains and change of venue were not a deterrent for those invited. And so, members of the new ruling politburo, social and business leaders, turned out in fine numbers to break bread and share thoughts and concerns, with the newly appointed security minister!

To be sure, it was not the occasion for the presentation of some great policy document and/or announcement. But Minister Smith was clearly the man of the moment.

Among those out, were Prime Minister Bruce Golding; Mayor Desmond McKenzie and his wife, Marcia, Justice Minister, Senator Dorothy Lightbourne; Industry Minister, The Hon. Karl Samuda; Minister James Robertson; Junior ministers, Daryl Vaz and Senator Dr. Ronald Robinson; St. Aubyn Bartlett and Joseph Hibbert; Kenny Benjamin; Ian and Cecilia Levy; Cash Plus Carlos Hill; social denizen Jennifer Lim; Johnny Desnoes; JLP stalwart, Enid Bennett; Mark Mahfood and his fab wife, Margaret, William and Sandy Tavares-Finson; Pollster and commentator, Troy Cain; Claudia Lindo; Louis Williams; Shirley Lewis, in from Florida; Joe McPherson; George Soutar; Mrs. Margaret Johnson; Harold Brady; the charming Pat Reid; Neville James; Kevin Hendrickson; Paul Hoo; Michelle Nunez; Tanny Shirley; Authur Williams; Robert Russell; Dr. Charlton Collie; Mark Azan; Megan Murray; Keith Duncan; Sean Azan; Don Creary; Phillip Henriques; Lawrence Heffes; Ms. Novelette Howell; Counsellors, Vernon McCloud and Audrey Gordon; Mr. and Mrs. Clovis Metcalf; Andrew Warwar; Raymond Brennan; Matthew Sale; Dr. Cleo Taylor; Ms. Colleen Hunt; Glen Christian; Richard Kidd; and Miss Yvonne Foster; plus a number of others.

And, it was a family affair as the Smiths' sons, Jay and Duane, were also in attendance; but it really was one fine outing!

Senator Dorothy Lightbourne - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer