Tweet
Opposition concerned about pre-election police transfers
Opposition Leader Bruce Golding is again raising concern over what he says is a reported move to transfer members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in the run-up to the General Election.
While not giving specific details Mr. Golding says he is concerned about what he says is political interference in the deployment of JCF members in St. Elizabeth.
Mr. Golding said Opposition Spokesman on National Security Derrick Smith is to meet with Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas, to discuss concerns about the transfer of JCF members from the Junction Police Station.
“Earlier this week I was told that at least one and possibly more to come, but at least one policeman has been transferred. The minute I had that information, I told Derrick Smith to go to the Commissioner to tell him that we are very concerned about this. The day that politicians can transfer policemen, because they don’t like how those policemen do their duty, those days have gone past long time ago,” said Mr. Golding during an address at a party meeting in Junction St. Elizabeth Wednesday night.
Meanwhile JLP Spokesman on National Security Derrick Smith says he has discussed the party's concerns with Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas.
According to Mr. Smith, Commissioner Thomas revealed that the transfers were ordered after careful assessment and discussions with senior police personnel.
“The Commissioner assured me that the directive that was handed down in relation to the transfer was taken after very careful assessment of what was happening there after very careful discussions and also after an interview with Deputy Commissioner Bent and Assistant Commissioner Novelette Grant,” said Mr. Smith.
“But the matter has not been fully finalized to the best of my knowledge because the Commissioner did say he would be traveling to the area on the 14th of this month,” he continued.
Mr. Smith says he intends to have a follow-up discussion with Commissioner Thomas after his visit to the Junction Police Station.
Opposition Leader Bruce Golding is again raising concern over what he says is a reported move to transfer members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in the run-up to the General Election.
While not giving specific details Mr. Golding says he is concerned about what he says is political interference in the deployment of JCF members in St. Elizabeth.
Mr. Golding said Opposition Spokesman on National Security Derrick Smith is to meet with Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas, to discuss concerns about the transfer of JCF members from the Junction Police Station.
“Earlier this week I was told that at least one and possibly more to come, but at least one policeman has been transferred. The minute I had that information, I told Derrick Smith to go to the Commissioner to tell him that we are very concerned about this. The day that politicians can transfer policemen, because they don’t like how those policemen do their duty, those days have gone past long time ago,” said Mr. Golding during an address at a party meeting in Junction St. Elizabeth Wednesday night.
Meanwhile JLP Spokesman on National Security Derrick Smith says he has discussed the party's concerns with Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas.
According to Mr. Smith, Commissioner Thomas revealed that the transfers were ordered after careful assessment and discussions with senior police personnel.
“The Commissioner assured me that the directive that was handed down in relation to the transfer was taken after very careful assessment of what was happening there after very careful discussions and also after an interview with Deputy Commissioner Bent and Assistant Commissioner Novelette Grant,” said Mr. Smith.
“But the matter has not been fully finalized to the best of my knowledge because the Commissioner did say he would be traveling to the area on the 14th of this month,” he continued.
Mr. Smith says he intends to have a follow-up discussion with Commissioner Thomas after his visit to the Junction Police Station.