Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
Phillips
IF YOU'RE now called a don and you prey on people in their communities, then the security forces could just be minutes away from your hiding place. Well, according to Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips.
Dr. Phillips last week vowed that the security forces will continue to target 'dons' for preying on society and instilling fear in residents.
A resolute Dr. Peter Phillips said political affiliation will not be considered, in wake of last Sunday's killing of Donovan 'Bulbie' Bennett by Operation Kingfish.
Bennett was a supporter of the ruling People's National Party (PNP), who, according to the police also received party support. He was also on the police's most wanted list for a decade, "Bulbie was the culmination of months of work," Dr. Phillips told The Sunday Gleaner. "Other people have been arrested for other crimes and there are many more to come."
But despite strong reaction to Bennett's death from PNP constituents in some communities in Spanish Town, Dr. Peter Phillips said he is not perturbed.
He told The Sunday Gleaner last Friday, that he believes he has the backing of the PNP hierarchy and the entire party membership.
"I think all of the party and the Government realise there can be no protection, politically or otherwise, for criminals who destroy the livelihood of this country and prey on Jamaicans citizens," he said.
He noted however that the range of influence of some dons in the country had infiltrated national institutions. Last Friday, the police noted that Mr. Bennett had a $100 million net worth, which included construction and haulage companies, supported by trucks and a number of public passenger vehicles.
"Obviously, the criminal network has woven its way into critical national institutions," he said, fingering political parties, businesses and the police force. "It has corrupted national institutions , and that is why we have to go to the masterminds and ensure they cease to operate."
It was the second time in a little more than a year that Dr. Phillips was echoing this statement. Addressing the House of Representatives last year, the national security minister stated that some political representatives facilitated criminals and their wrongdoings. He declined then to divulge names.
According to Dr. Phillips, who is one of the PNP's three contenders to become president and prime minister, in order to prevent the springing up of future dons, the security forces , including Operation Kingfish, have full authority to seek criminal masterminds, "whoever they are and whatever affiliation they want to claim".
In light of Bennett's death, the national security minister said he was not particularly mindful of whatever political capital he might have earned.
"I haven't sought to see the political effect," he said. "I'm thinking of what we can do to ensure we rid the scourge of vicious crimes from our country. I don't intend to make a political calculation in trying to do my job."
