Cameron on interdiction

The public dispute between Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake and Senior Superintendent of Police Wayne Cameron has taken a new turn, with the senior officer – who also heads the Police Officers Association (POA), the negotiating body for gazetted officers – now placed on interdiction.

The move, which places Cameron on three-quarter pay, was announced in the Force Orders – the official communication of the commissioner – dated March 12 and took effect the same day.

“This member’s interdiction resulted from alleged cases of fraudulent conversion contrary to Section 24(1)(ii) of the Larceny Act; and larceny as a servant contrary to Section 22(1) of the Larceny Act,” the notice stated.

The action follows Cameron’s arrest on fraud charges involving POA funds. However, according to well-placed sources, it also represents another chapter in a deep rift within the ranks of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

As POA head, Cameron negotiates salaries and benefits with the Government on behalf of senior officers. The Gleaner understands that the JCF is convening a committee to negotiate on behalf of the POA, despite a court ruling affirming that Cameron should remain chairman – a decision now under appeal.

Court order not yet satisfied

t is also understood that a court order requiring full disclosure of the charges against Cameron by February 27 has not yet been satisfied. His attorney, Matthew Hyatt, confirmed that no disclosure has been received.

“That copy I anticipate I should get on the next court date – just the general disclosure, whatever they have on file. To be honest, I didn’t expect it to be ready by that time, given the nature of the case. I’m waiting to see what they have on the next court date, but so far nothing has been sent electronically. I suspect it will be quite voluminous,” Hyatt said on Saturday.

The interdiction, an internal disciplinary measure, did not surprise the attorney either.

“It has an effect very similar to a suspension. In my view, it will affect his ability to operate as POA chairman and to represent police officers in any capacity. That said, interdiction is standard procedure in public bodies once disciplinary proceedings are under way,” he explained.

Cameron has been formally charged with larceny and fraudulent conversion following a months-long probe into alleged financial irregularities involving POA funds. Still, some senior police sources argue that the situation is a mix of politics and union-busting.

The timing of recent developments has fuelled that perception.

“That man is a hard bargainer and understands the issues well. Other unions often take their cue from the police. What people are missing is the broader attempt to silence voices at every level, including within the police force. But Cameron is not without support,” said one source.

The same source pointed to similar actions taken with regard to former Police Federation Chairman Rohan James, who has been on interdiction since July 2023, following comments made at a colleague’s funeral. He, too, remains on three-quarter salary.

Hyatt however noted that, unlike Cameron, James has not been criminally charged, though both situations effectively sideline them from their duties.

“Everything is up in the air”

Reiterating that Cameron’s current circumstances are likely to negatively affect his ability to represent officers, the attorney said “everything is up in the air”.

He added: “I am not certain whether there will be another election to appoint someone in the interim. But as it stands, the interdiction will have some impact on his representation of police officers.”

The leadership conflict dates back to September 8, 2025, when the commissioner directed that the POA chairmanship be vacated – despite not being a member of the association.

In a sworn affidavit, Blake cited “glaring contradictions and irregularities” in the association’s unaudited accounts, as well as its failure to hold an annual general meeting since 2022. He argued that the move was a managerial necessity to safeguard funds contributed by more than 350 senior officers and was not motivated by spite.

The POA represents officers from the rank of inspector up to deputy commissioner and is funded through salary deductions.

Cameron, for his part, maintains that the commissioner exceeded his legal authority by interfering in the internal governance of an incorporated body. He has also alleged political victimisation and retaliation linked to a grievance he previously filed with the Office of the Services Commissions regarding his promotion and transfer.

The matter returns to court in May.

erica.virtue@gleanerjm.com