Bunting stirs uproar at Police Federation conference

By Clinton McGregor 

 

There was high drama on Tuesday at the annual conference of the Jamaica Police Federation, after Opposition Spokesman on National Security Peter Bunting, continued his criticism of the Police High Command over its decision to interdict former Federation Chairman, Corporal Rohan James.

 

Corporal James was interdicted and sent home on suspension by the High Command after he criticised the leadership over the delay in making overtime payments for rank and file members, last year.

 

Speaking Tuesday at the Federation's Conference in Montego Bay, St. James, Mr. Bunting again went after the High Command over its action, accusing it of union busting.

 

He warned that the suspension of the former chairman will have a chilling effecting on Police Federation going forward. 

 

"I did not have to be a prophet to predict that the presentation from the chairman earlier would be one of a much more conciliatory tone than we are accustomed to. This is a watershed Police Federation conference. The delegates will decide the type of leadership they want for the next year. I hope they elect the leaders that the rank and file members deserve. You will decide whether it will be a timid favour-currying yes-men type of leadership or will it be courageous, strident advocates for your members," he suggested. 

 

But Mr. Bunting's presentation was interrupted by former Federation Chairman, Patrae Rowe, who accused him of sowing discord among the ranks at the conference.

 

"Senator Bunting is an invited guest to these conferences. Senator Bunting has to make his presentation within the rules of the Constabulary Force Act which prohibits causing disaffection among members," he argued, as members roared in dissatisfaction and Mr. Bunting insisted he would decide how he delivers his presentation. 

 

Corporal James has been barred from attending the two-day conference.