Building a Better Jamaica

Thursday, September 02, 2010
Jamaica Observer

OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Security Minister Dwight Nelson was yesterday heckled by delegates attending the Jamaica Police Federation 67th Annual Joint Conference as he addressed the vexed issue of the outstanding seven per cent wage increase due to the officers.

Several rank and file policemen and women openly expressed their displeasure because the minister failed to say when they would get their outstanding money.

"I submit to you that we in the Government are committed to achieving some semblance of closure as it relates to your salary negotiations; there have been differences in the way we believe we should go forward, but let me assure you that we are determine to find a way to achieve finality in these pressing demands," Senator Nelson told delegates.

But the Nelson's assurance provided little comfort to members who have been in a militant mood all day over the vexed issue as delegates vowed to send a strong message to the Government that the money should be paid.

"We want to know how we money a go; tell we how the money a go," a delegate shouted as the minister attempted to address the issue.

"If you ask me to speak at your conference, at least display the courtesy and let me speak," Senator Nelson appealed.

Speaking shortly before the minister, the chairman of the federation Sergeant Raymond Wilson accused the administration and the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) of blatant wrongdoings when they backed former Tivoli Garden's strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke when the Americans requested his extradition.

Sergeant Wilson chastised the Government for the millions of dollars which were reportedly paid to Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to lobby against Coke's extradition and called on the administration to place the same focus on its outstanding wage dispute.

The administration has maintained that the money paid to Manatt was by the JLP and not the Government.