Tell us why police chief resigned — JCC

Saturday, November 21, 2009 9:56 AM

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Tell us why police chief resigned - JCC

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

THE Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) has urged the Government to tell the nation the real reason why Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin has resigned as commissioner of police.

LEWIN. resigned Sunday

"We believe the nation has a right to know exactly why Police Commissioner Lewin has resigned and we call on the Government to move swiftly to restore a sense of security in our land," according to a statement yesterday from president of the chamber, Milton Samuda.

"We view him as a police commissioner who has been forthright and who has operated with integrity. In our view, the firmness he displayed during his tenure is what is required in Jamaica at this time," Samuda said.

Lewin, dogged by a spiralling crime rate and a lack of support from the rank and file in the constabulary, handed his resignation to the Police Services Commission on Sunday.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding is expected to address the nation on Lewin's resignation in Gordon House today, and is also likely to announce his successor.

Samuda, meanwhile, was highly critical of the Government's inability to curb crime and ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens.

"We are of the view that the succession of ministers of national security and police commissioners has done nothing to give the nation confidence that there is a cohesive and decisive plan to rid the country of the scourge of crime and violence, which continues to affect not just our sense of personal security, but the business climate in the island," said the JCC head.