Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter

WESTERN BUREAU:

Legislators are being reminded to stay abreast with changing technology and be ahead of criminal minds, which manipulate this area of expertise for personal gain.

"In the modern world of technology, there is the Internet and cell- phones, and these are used by criminals in their activities. They no longer need your bank books to steal your money or identities," commented judge Winsome Henry, senior resident magistrate for St. James.

"Here in St. James we see where technology has given rise to the lotto scam."

She also expressed optimism with the ongoing legal reform of the island's justice system.

RM Henry was addressing an appreciation function on Saturday evening to honour four officers of the St. James Police Division, who have been transferred from the parish where there has been a sharp increase in homicides.

Honourees

The honourees were Super-intendent Warren Clarke, Deputy Superintendents Michael Scott and Rudolph Taylor, as well as Inspector Paul Bernard. The transfers of the four policemen, which was announced in a major reassignment exercise by Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas on February 20, become effective this week.

"St. James' loss of these four honourees will be another parish's gain. I am sure they will continue to do well," the judge added.

Supt. Clarke, outgoing commanding officer for St. James, in his reply said he was confident that his successor wouldbenefit from a fine force of personnel developed in his 22-month tenure.

"It's not about the captain ordering you to ensure that the ship remains afloat," the officer implored his staff at the function. "I had continued support despite the turbulent environment and always felt bolstered when the road got rocky."

He also singled out the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its working relationship with the police and efforts to assist them, especially in the area of mobility.