Novelette Grant as commissioner of police

By Devon Dick

With the sudden resignation of Owen Ellington as commissioner of police, there have been suggestions of many names to replace Ellington, but none has mentioned Novelette Grant. However, Grant should be given the job based on experience, expertise, integrity, and proven leadership ability.

About two months ago, I heard her speak to the Mead-Haven Ministers Fraternal at the bimonthly meeting held at Clifton New Testament Church, Mannings Hill Road. The ministers from various denominations were all impressed with her command of the strategic thinking of the force and her cogent suggestions to deal with crime and violence. She spoke extemporaneously for 45 minutes and it was a coherent presentation with details and anecdotes. Grant is a well-read individual and is an intellectual who has written papers and a handbook about crime and violence. If the need is for a thinker and visionary who can articulate a crime-fighting plan, then Grant is the one.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is a unique and large workforce, and education and qualification can assist in its leadership, but those factors alone will not do. It does not matter how qualified an overseas person or any outsider of the JCF is, there is much for which to commend persons of competence, integrity and emotional intelligence who come from within the ranks and who can gain the trust and recognition of the members of the JCF. This is an important advantage over any outsider. Everyone knows about the importance of home advantage in playing a sport; so why ignore the enormous benefits of using a competent and capable person from within the JCF ranks? Managerial and leadership skills plus having the theory and practical know-how can survive any organisational hazard.

QUALIFIED AND ARTICULATE

Grant is qualified, experienced, articulate, and the longest-serving assistant commissioner. She has left an indelible mark on the JCF staff college, where many present senior commanders were schooled by her. She developed the senior strategic management course specially designed for assistant commissioners and senior superintendents who operate at the strategic level of the JCF. The course provides candidates with the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to perform efficiently and effectively at the strategic levels. She would have the respect and admiration of senior personnel.

Grant holds a BSc as well as an MSc degree and is in charge of Area 5, which comprises of St Catherine North and South, St Thomas, and St Andrew North. She is a very responsible and prudent individual who exercises sound judgement. She is a trained detective with professional attributes which complement and enhance the operational and administrative efficiency of the areas, units and division she would have been entrusted to command. She displays a mature awareness of issues impacting upon her covert role and has the operational experience to manage any issue that may arise, and, as such, should be given an opportunity to serve as commissioner.

In the police force, Grant is considered 'an honest and upright individual' and there is no evidence available that is capable of tarnishing her good character.

It could be said that Grant has not been an ACP for a long time (no fault of hers) and she may not be seen as next in line, but when the chief justice was appointed, she was not the obvious 'next in line', but she, being a person of integrity with expertise, has done an excellent job. Grant is a natural people person who knows how to mix with presidents and pastors, high officials and the rank and file.

It is time for Novelette Grant to be the commissioner of police and make her mark as the first female to hold such office.

Rev Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew. He is author of 'The Cross and the Machete', and 'Rebellion to Riot'. Send feedback to columns@ gleanerjm.com.