Dismantle the entire JCF and retool, rehire, rebrand

THE EDITOR, Sir:

MY THOUGHTS in 2009, ten years ago, remain as relevant today as they were was then! A vast majority of Jamaicans and I do believe that the actions taken by Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang to disband the Mobile Reserve, an arm of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, was long overdue.

It is a widespread belief that the police force is corrupt beyond repair, and, as such, should be totally disbanded, with a view to retooling, retraining and rebranding.

Among the many questions being asked is how feasible is this? Some even rubbish the idea. Let us put this in context.

The first question being asked is: how would you fill the void that would be created after disbanding the Jamaica Constabulary Force?

The answer is: we are a signatory to the United Nations and should ask for their support and assistance in filling the void with a small peace keeping force to assist the Jamaica Defence Force, in manning the island’s police stations while the rehiring process is taking place simultaneously.

I would also recommend that we formulate a small special Caribbean force to assist, also, and, yes, because we are a powerful voice within CARICOM.

Another question that has been asked is: where would we find the money to pay for such a large undertaking?

Jamaica has the largest annual Budget in the Caribbean and needs to learn how to prioritise. If crime, murder, and corruption are holding us back economically, then, like an old man once told me, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease”. In other words, put the bulk of your money where it’s needed the most. Put 10 per cent of all budgetary allocations from all other ministries towards the Ministry of National Security.

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL

The other question is: How would we pay all the officers that would be dismissed?

I agree that many officers, mostly at the senior level, would be sent home, simply based on performance.

If a police force fails to serve and protect the people of Jamaica, as per its contractual agreement, this would be grounds for dismissal without pay. (See the Labour Laws).

Jamaica has been receiving assistance from its international partners, with personnel, equipment, training, and money. This has not helped in any meaningful way as murders, corruption, and crime still remain a big problem for our county.

This means that you cannot pour clean wine into a dirty vessel. If there was ever a perfect time to continue full-speed ahead and finally dismantle that corrupt entity, it is now. CHRIS MCCURDY Choppajohn West Political Commentator kristophe60@hotmail.com