Dear Editor,
I join the protesting citizens of Denham Town, Tivoli, and the other communities within the Kingston Western Police Division in voicing objection to the transfer of Senior Superintendent of Police Steve McGregor from his current post.
I do not pretend to understand the "intelligence-driven" decision-making process within the Jamaica Constabulary Force, or why public consultations are not part of the process in situations such as these, which hold grave implications for the rule of law and justice. What I do know is that this move sets back the progress that is being made towards returning stability to the division, so that the necessary work of repairing the economy, shattered by the events of May 2010, can begin in earnest.
Speaking for Agency for Innercity Renewal (AIR), we will be forced to reconsider the launch of L-I-F-T (Local Initiative for Transformation), a police/citizens collaborative process focusing on improved relations between the police and citizens and economic revival of affected communities. Since this concept was birthed, no fewer than three transfers of people in the top cop position have occurred. This is no way to build a lasting coalition between law enforcement and community stakeholders.
If, in the opinion of the powers that be, sacrificing Western Kingston policing division for St James seems to be a justifiable action, then proceed. But do not do so in ignorance of the fact that the communities to the south and north of Spanish Town Road are the gateway to Kingston, the commercial hub of Jamaica.
Dr Henley W Morgan
Founder and CEO
Agency for Innercity Renewal
Transferring SSP McGregor sets back West Kgn progress
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I join the protesting citizens of Denham Town, Tivoli, and the other communities within the Kingston Western Police Division in voicing objection to the transfer of Senior Superintendent of Police Steve McGregor from his current post.
I do not pretend to understand the "intelligence-driven" decision-making process within the Jamaica Constabulary Force, or why public consultations are not part of the process in situations such as these, which hold grave implications for the rule of law and justice. What I do know is that this move sets back the progress that is being made towards returning stability to the division, so that the necessary work of repairing the economy, shattered by the events of May 2010, can begin in earnest.
Speaking for Agency for Innercity Renewal (AIR), we will be forced to reconsider the launch of L-I-F-T (Local Initiative for Transformation), a police/citizens collaborative process focusing on improved relations between the police and citizens and economic revival of affected communities. Since this concept was birthed, no fewer than three transfers of people in the top cop position have occurred. This is no way to build a lasting coalition between law enforcement and community stakeholders.
If, in the opinion of the powers that be, sacrificing Western Kingston policing division for St James seems to be a justifiable action, then proceed. But do not do so in ignorance of the fact that the communities to the south and north of Spanish Town Road are the gateway to Kingston, the commercial hub of Jamaica.
Dr Henley W Morgan
Founder and CEO
Agency for Innercity Renewal
Transferring SSP McGregor sets back West Kgn progress
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