JAMAICA | Police Federation Chairman Gagged, Interdicted, Suspended, Opposition Express Concern

The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has called on the Commissioner of Police to immediately reconsider the recent interdiction of Chairman of the Police Federation, Cpl. Rohan James, and has raised questions about the fairness of this extreme response, which the party said may contravene his constitutional right to free speech.

Earlier today, the Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson announced the interdiction of Cpl James over remarks he made at a funeral service for the life of slain Constable Damien Blair at the Old Harbour New Testament Church of God in St Catherine on July 15.

James chided the Police High Command for allegedly failing to have overtime payments made to rank-and-file police personnel, despite the Government approving such a system to calculate and make the payments.

“Mark my word and I also want to say to the High Command and our Commissioner, ‘God help you if the membership is not paid their overtime this month,’” James is quoted as saying, adding that the federation will not be “muzzled, intimidated, nor bamboozled”.

James, is being accused of conduct contrary to the “discipline, good order and guidance of the Force”, and is facing four charges related to the remarks, including being disrespectful to seniors in rank and communicating to the public certain sensitive issues within the JCF without permission from the commissioner.

The police commissioner directed that disciplinary action be taken against him at a Court of Enquiry, and therefore he was being interdicted from duty with immediate effect at three-quarters of his salary.

He faces being kicked out of the force for his actions.

In a statement today, the Opposition Spokesman on National Security Peter Bunting, said the party “firmly upholds the principles of free speech and the right of every citizen, including public servants, to express their opinions without fear of reprisal. Cpl. Rohan James, as the head of the Police Federation, has not only the right but also the duty to advocate for the welfare and interests of his fellow police officers.”

The PNP Spokesman pointed out that  “expressing concerns about the upholding of a court order should not be grounds for punitive action, but rather seen as a responsible act in the interests of justice.

Compliance with the orders of the court is fundamental to the rule of law and to the confidence of the public in the system of justice. The Federation’s efforts to uphold this principle should be acknowledged and supported, not penalized,” Bunting said.

Himself a former minister of national security, Mr. Bunting  observed that “as the elected representative of the Police Federation’s members,

it is within Chairman James’ purview to voice his concerns and demand the proper enforcement of the court order for the benefit of police officers.

Furthermore, as the holder of that office, a wide margin of latitude must be afforded him in speaking on matters concerning the welfare of the Federation’s members.”

“Furthermore, the interdiction of Cpl. Rohan James undermines the principle of collective bargaining, a cornerstone of industrial relations.

As the elected representative of the Police Federation, Chairman James plays a crucial role in negotiating on behalf of the police officers, striving to secure fair working conditions, wages, and benefits.

Taking punitive action against him sends a chilling message to all workers’ representatives and risks eroding the already delicate trust between the police force and the authorities,” he added.

“The PNP calls upon the Commissioner of Police to rescind the interdiction of Cpl. Rohan James immediately. We believe that this action is unjust, violates his constitutional rights, and sets a dangerous precedent that could have far-reaching implications for labour rights and freedom of expression in our nation.

“We also urge all stakeholders to engage in a constructive dialogue to address the concerns raised by Chairman James and work towards a more equitable and respectful environment for both law enforcement officers and the public they serve, the Opposition spokesman declared. (WiredJA)