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Admiral Lewin can be the voice of conscience and hope for JA
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Dear Editor,
I now believe that the appointment of Commissioner Lewin was a good one. And that he did the nation a service when he spoke out against politicians in some constituencies and their relationship with dons. I thought that with his frank criticism of the political directorate his days as commissioner would have been numbered.
think also that in his almost two-year stint as commissioner, Admiral Lewin has done more - much more than the media and former commissioners of police, as far as putting the spotlight on and showing up the connection with politicians and criminals.
It is clear that the dons have more moral sway than politicians in some constituencies. I dare say that the dons are "Jamaica's mafia" in control of politicians, and by extension Jamaica. They are behind the scenes pulling the strings of their puppet politicians. And politicians can't say anything as the dons have the goods on them. If this were not so, with the multiple incidents of rape, murder, extortion, kidnapping, tax evasion, fraud, identity theft, ripping off returning residents, the destruction of government property and other crimes, how is it that our legislators have not changed the laws to have harsher sentences to punish the convicted?
It was not long ago that the JLP as the Opposition was telling the ruling PNP words to the effect: get out of the way and let us show you how to deal with crime and the economy. Can we truly say that as the government the JLP has done better than the PNP? I say no, regardless of what those in the "JLP excuse corner" might say.
It is laughable, now that as the Opposition the PNP has the answer to our crime problem. Where were they in 18-plus years as government? We all should understand by now that most of our politicians, whether PNP or JLP, are not interested in making the hard choices to do what is needed to curtail crime. Instead they are more preoccupied with what is expedient for them to stay in, or getting into power and to get rich. They are ever so quick to pass laws to punish the silent majority of law-abiding citizens with the increase in penalty and fees for speeding, other traffic offences, also fees at government agencies, but not quick to do the same to curtail the above-mentioned offences.
The question now is, who will be the next commissioner of police? I am sure the fate of the new commissioner will be the same as history has shown - the departure of Admiral Lewin and his predecessors. The same holds true for the minister of national security. We simply cannot rely on the PNP/JLP to do the right thing. So, government can change commissioners and ministers of security to give us a false sense of security. However, the result will be the same: more crime, corruption and a new generation which has no respect for law and order.
I must say Admiral Lewin has served our nation well, and he can continue to do so while in retirement by speaking out for needed changes and the ills that politicians continue to perpetrate on our nation - more so, than when he did as commissioner of police. In time, some who have their own axe to grind and others will have no choice but to follow his lead. Admiral Lewin, Sir, just do not get out of the spotlight and remain silent, you can be the voice of conscience and hope for Jamaica. Thanks for your service to our nation.
Authnel Reid
authnelreid@optonline.net
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