‘JCF Political Interference’ Row Continues Between Chang and Golding

National Security Minister, Dr. Horace Chang, is cautioning Opposition Leader Mark Golding against what he notes is a dangerous pattern of the Opposition interfering in the internal operations of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, JCF.

He says the actions are fostering dissent within the police force and serving to discredit and undermine the authority of the Police High Command.

Dr. Chang reiterated his concern in response to a letter from Mr. Golding which called for disciplinary proceedings against former Chairman of the Police Federation, Rohan James, to be reconsidered.

Mr. Golding was himself responding to a letter from Dr. Chang which expressed concern about the conduct of Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Peter Bunting at a recent Police Federation Conference.

In response to Golding’s reply, Dr. Chang maintains that as minister, he does not direct or interfere in disciplinary and operational matters of the JCF.

Minister Chang told Mr. Golding that political parties who agitate on behalf of individual cases as it relates to the internal disciplinary and promotion procedures of the JCF, are only undermining the neutrality of the Force in the mind of the public.

Dr. Chang has told the Opposition Leader that this is a dangerous precedent.

He says it signals to rank and file members that they can resort to political interference and political lobbying in instances where they are opposed to decisions made by the Police High Command.