Dear Editor,
Please allow me to respond to a letter by the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs in the press on 12-03-15 and other articles on 2012-03-16 regarding statements made by me arising from the $90 Million elections fund allocation to the Police. Hereafter I shall not proffer any further communication on the subject.
Let me begin by reiterating that I stand by what was said in the press. I also emphatically maintain, amidst much chagrin and frustration, that my failure to disclose a cheque should not be perceived as an intention to cover for any malpractice by me or anyone who worked with me during that challenging period. This meagre sum was grossly inadequate and by its infinitesimal nature, taken in the context of several millions of dollars, which should have been given, was regarded with much distaste as having had no major impact on the situation and maybe that is why I happened to sign it several days after, realizing that I had other monies available. In short, I kept focusing on the forest and lost sight of the trees.
Fortunately it was assuring to note one commander admitting, though anonymously, that he received a similar sum and obviously this sum received by me, would have been brought to light during the investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility. Hence I will not lose any sleep over this paltry sum. In fact I am more disappointed that the more than 1.5 Million dollars which I received through donations from miners and businessmen was spent on election duties, now realizing that the greater portion of the huge sum of 90 million dollars was allocated to cover such activity.
It should be viewed as unfortunate and with some amount of concern for professional ethics, commanders who thanked and lauded the notable contributions of the business community in the print and electronic press, but which certainly contrasted significantly with the information provided by the Force Administration that is to say that millions of dollars were given to them. However it was not intended for the commanders to receive financial assistance from the Force in the form of goods and other items.
Mr Editor, The Honourable Minister stated in his letter that my breach of the Force Standing Order is ‘unpardonable’ and that resulting from my disclosures of ‘classified’ information, that I placed a matter of an internal issue, and which in his opinion could have been dealt with internally, in the realm of Politicians and the Media thereby providing ‘ammunition’ for these groups, perceived to be anti Police and anti Government, to continue to criticize, which they never fail to do, and seem to enjoy doing.
I do not agree that the information was classified and in fact the media, a key stakeholder in society plays an important role in holding us all to account. Further let me categorically state that in any democratic society it is more, rather than often, through relentless quizzing and unfettered criticism that such democracy is kept in check. In the extant case, the criticisms were constructive and led to exposing of a grave issue. For sure, if left to some officials, this matter would be handled in the same contumely manner in the future. Further it was deliberated, that with the influence of the minister on the Officer corps, the Conference was neither a suitable nor sufficient forum to discuss the issue of elections financing.
Therefore I do not share the view that the Standing Orders are cast in stone. It cannot supersede nor circumvent my fundamental right to freedom of expression, over the very salient issue of welfare and conditions of service during National Elections and over which we, officers and ranks alike, were made to compromise our professionalism, countrywide. Neither should my absence from the Officer’s Conference irk the minister, in such magnitude that I was the subject of much discussion, amounting to some ridicule.
I will never dispute the magnitude of growth and development visited upon my being, since my entry into the Force and each day I do endeavour to reciprocate. But does this mean that my conscience must be traded at all times?
All those who subscribe to the view which allows oneself to be so consumed by a career that it becomes the whole of one’s existence, certainly would have no part of their human psyche left which is separate and inviolable. For me good leadership means standing up for moral and ethical issues with a view to bringing about much needed change for the future. Of course this is always onerous and requires real courage, apart from being prepared to go it alone. Standing up and defending that which is right cannot be construed as mirroring indiscipline. The word ‘discipline’ must be appropriately defined as meaning fairness, understanding and reason.
During my entire career, I have aspired to alleviate the socio economics of ranks and there are numerous positive developments during my command thus far, to substantiate. I am well aware of the responsibilities of command and leadership, among the most sacred being to take care of ranks and ensure that they are asked to perform in conditions conducive to effective and efficient service. This is so despite being told, ever so often by contemporaries and seniors, to ‘slow down’, ‘relax’ and ‘take it easy’, these obviously not being compatible with the elements of my personality, hence I really find it difficult to be quiet with issues of a serious nature.
Finally I am fully supportive of civilian oversight of the Force and have on a number of occasions publicly said to the rank and file that the public has the right, through their representatives, and by others, to question our actions, hold us to account and monitor our work. What is difficult to contemplate and ever so often has brought controversy, surrounding perceived interference, is oversight which becomes so intrusive to the extent that it manifests itself into civilian command of the Force. This can and does adversely affect professionalism, resulting in indecisiveness, ineffectiveness and inefficiency from Officers. No wonder the Honourable Minister so often chides and vents his frustration at the inordinate length of time it takes to get simple things done.
The Constitution provides for civilian control of the Force but the command of the Force is the province of the Commissioner, under section 7 of the Police Act.
Yours faithfully,
David Ramnarine
Asst Commissioner
