I have been getting some excellent feedback about the police officers these days. If they behave unprofessionally, we should say that, but when they do well, we should also say it. Encouragement does sweeten labour. The following was sent to me by a well-known musician, Rosina Christina Moder, the wife of another well-known musician, Peter Ashbourne.
This is the message:
As a postlude to this year's Valentine's Day, I wish to tell you about the wonderful experience I had yesterday with a police officer downtown, as my prelude to celebrating St. Valentine! I drove three very special ladies visiting from Germany to see the Ward Theatre and the Kingston Parish Church.
When turning left into King Street, I encountered a police officer on a motorcycle behind us. So I thought, of course, dear Lord I'm driving too slowly and will get a warning about obstruction of traffic. And sure enough, the officer asked me to stop and roll down the window just to tell me to please follow him, because we have to see the murals on Water Lane!
What? I thought I was dreaming!? So he rode in front of us slowly and directed us to the new murals near King Street. He waited until we finished walking up and down; he even offered to take our group photo. Then he mentioned to be sure to visit the National Gallery but to be sure to park the car at the UDC parking lot to be safe. Again he offered to lead us, and when we were about to drive into the parking lot, he very friendly waved to us and rode off! Well, I must state that I will never forget how he personified the slogan from my home country Austria when I was a child: "The Police—your friend and assistant!"
The name of this amazing officer is Dean Graham, from the Traffic Enforcement Division, at Elletson Road.
I'm still in amazement! So refreshing in the week of the 40th anniversary of my first landing here on this "Island in the Sun!"
Editor's Note
Remember that encouragement sweetens labour. Bad news can become sensational, but good news can lift the spirit of the nation.
So sad 👹
ReplyDeleteThat officer is one of a kind and deserves to be lauded for his hospitality and professionalism! Sadly we can't this of the majority!
ReplyDeleteThis is what we are expecting from our officers. Publication like this can boost the moral of other officers. Big up to officer Dean Graham.
ReplyDeleteI always have bad experience with police. Can’t stand a bone in them. Maybe once I had a good encounter. They are the worst humans in Jamaica.
ReplyDeleteNext time you meet a police officer, you go high even if they go low. Smile and wish them a good day. Who knows better do better.
DeleteThat commentary should be reprinted and published in the JCF magazine.
ReplyDeleteThat JCF member reminded me of the Courtesy Corp in tourist centres in full Khaki suit i recsll with their hats on in Montego Bay.
Was it the Tourist Board that employed them?
They used to be a common sight in Montego Bay during the heyday of People's Tourism ie before the establishment of "Tourist Prishotels" otherwise called "All Inclusives" where tourist contact with the general population is now limited.
Be reminded also that even some beaches are are All Exclusives for Jamaicans.
With over 400 miles of beach in Jamaica only about 3 miles of that is accessible to Jamaicans.
"Out of Many One Tourist" could be the welcoming slogan to Jamaicas Pristine Beaches.
Bring back the Courtesy Corp in Jamaica and downtown Kingston should not be excluded that with so much to see.
All exclusives from our beaches,Prishotels that is no joke.
ReplyDeleteIn Barbados every person has access yo all beaches
PM Mia Mottley give them some lessons nuh our dear sister.
Missa D organize that nuh
Yes, the police has improved its communication with the public
ReplyDelete