JAMAICA | Mark Golding replies to Chang - Points to unjust, unconstitutional interdiction of Police Federation Chairman

KINGSTON, May 30, 2024 - Opposition Leader Mark Golding has written to National Security Minister  Dr. Horace Chang, in response to his call for the Opposition to ensure that the policy and practice of separating police operations from political interference be maintained. 

Chang's call in a letter to the Opposition Leader, follows statements made by Opposition Spokesman on National Security Senator Peter Bunting, at the recently concluded 81st Annual Joint Central Conference of the Jamaica Police Federation.

Senator Bunting raised concern that former chairman Corporal Rohan James was barred from attending the conference, claiming that he was being muzzled by the police high command.

In the letter, Dr Chang, who is also general secretary of the ruling JLP,  opined that, while no institution is above public criticism and question, the manner and nature of such public pronouncements must be tempered against the obligation to protect the institution from undue influence in the exercise of its authority.

However in his response, Mr Golding noted that Mr  Bunting brought up the critical issue of “the unjust and unconstitutional interdiction of Police Federation Chairman Corporal Rohan James for advocating compliance with a court order regarding overtime payments.

“That action appears to be a blatant attempt at union busting, demoralizing the rank and file and undermining the Federation's role as the advocate for police welfare. It raises serious questions about the accountability of the High Command, who failed to implement the court's directives promptly,” Golding advised.

Another issue raised by Senator Bunting the Opposition Leader said, was that “ The JCF is a paramilitary organization, operating under strict discipline, where members cannot legally strike. Therefore the Police Federation, effectively serving as the police union, is essential in advocating for the officers' rights.

“The High Command's punitive actions against its leadership for performing this role are petty, vindictive, and intolerant. This is not just about one individual's disciplinary issue; it is about preserving the independence and effectiveness of the Federation, and ensuring that all officers have robust representation free from undue influence,” Golding noted.

He said Bunting, a former national security minister, had told the conference that “We cannot allow a system where there is accountability for some and impunity for others. Your suggestion that public commentary on these issues crosses a line is misplaced and unfortunate.

“The Opposition's advocacy is aimed at ensuring a fair and just system, where the rights of police officers are upheld and where their leadership is empowered to advocate on their behalf without fear of retribution,” he declared.

The opposition Leader told the National Security Minister that “I consider our spokesperson's remarks to be appropriate and in keeping with our constitutional responsibility to the Jamaican People, notwithstanding the apparent discomfort occasioned to some who would prefer to leave the status quo undisturbed.

When in Opposition we are obliged to remain vigilant and purposeful on fundamental matters such as those which are engaged by the situation on which he spoke.

I take this opportunity to urge you to reconsider the actions taken against Corporal James, and also to address the broader issues of accountability within the High Command. The current approach is detrimental to the morale and effectiveness of the JCF,” Mr. Golding said.

In his letter to Golding, Chang said :  “It is problematic when a legislator or political representative agitates on behalf of a specific individual officer against the Police High Command in a matter that is within the exclusive disciplinary remit of the Police, and has also been the subject of a court action.

Publicly taking sides on matters concerning the operational, human resource and disciplinary decisions of the police high command blurs that line of separation.

He opined that when politicians begin to advocate on behalf of the personal cases of police officers against the police high command, and try to influence the high command through public pronouncements, this breaches the lines of separation between policy and political interference. 

Dr Chang’s letter to the Opposition Leader highlighted what he says is the sanctity of the separation of policy, police operations and political interference.

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