Bunting criticises high command on interdiction of police federation chairman Rohan James

Inspector Patrae Rowe, a former chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, today failed in his attempt to stop Opposition Spokesperson on National Security Senator Peter Bunting from speaking on the interdiction of Corporal Rohan James.

James, who is federation chairman, is currently before the court with the Jamaica Constabulary Force over his job.

James was interdicted following comments he made in July last year at a funeral for a colleague.

James had criticised the Police High Command for not paying cops their overtime money.

Speaking today at the 81st annual joint central conference of the federation in St James, Bunting criticised the Police High Command.

During his presentation, Rowe rose on a point of order and asked the conference chairman to ask Bunting to confine his remarks to the rules of the constabulary force so as to not to bring the conference into disrepute.

However, a female member, with the support of delegates, shot down the point of order, arguing that Rowe's action bordered on seeking to attempt to muzzle a guest of the conference and that this does not accord with free speech.

Bunting, with the support of police commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, who was in attendance, was allowed to continue and complete his presentation.

- Albert Ferguson

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