Kiwanians give kudos to Black River police

The Editor, Sir:

On Monday, September 5, about 12:05 a.m., the bus conveying a group of some 30 Kiwanians on their way back to Kingston from Savanna-la-Mar broke down along a very lonely section of the main road, approximately three miles west of Middle Quarters. Kiwanians immediately became very concerned for their safety, particularly in a place which was totally alien to most persons on the bus.

As if by a great stroke of fate, within a minute of the breakdown, a police patrol car manned by Constable Leon Morgan and Woman Constable Alexis Malcolm of the Black River Police Station arrived on the scene. We expressed our concern for our safety, as well as the need to secure a replacement bus to transport us to Kingston. The police immediately moved to assure us that they would not only see to our safety but would also spare no effort in helping to find a replacement bus.

What we found most impressive was the number of patrols which traversed the area while we awaited another bus. By the time the replacement bus arrived at approximately 2:15 a.m., we were joined by two other patrols from the Black River police, one headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Lanford Salmon.

As we conversed with the police and expressed our deep appreciation for the care and concern exhibited for our welfare and indicated how impressed we were with the number of patrols taking place even in so remote an area, the police themselves heaped tremendous praise on Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington for the great leadership he has shown in bringing the force to where it is today.

DSP Salmon proudly added that the commissioner is the best man for the job and pledged his team's total support.

As Kiwanians boarded the replacement bus, the driver of the ill-fated bus indicated that he would remain with his bus to ward off any attempt at vandalism. The police advised him of the dangers in so doing and insisted that he accompany them to the station, where his safety could be guaranteed, while reassuring him that his bus would be regularly monitored by their patrols.

Kudos to the Black River police, the commissioner of police, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force in general.

Llewelyn Allen, Lieutenant Governor, llewallen@hotmail.com