Howard Hamilton, Q. C. PORT MARIA, St. Mary:
PUBLIC DEFENDER, Howard Hamilton, has challenged the newly-installed executive of the Association of Past Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Area Two (comprising St. Ann, St. Mary and Portland) to channel their productive minds into the system.
He referred to them as possessing a "powerhouse of knowledge and fame that can play a vital role and make an impact in their communities and the nation as a whole."
Mr. Hamilton was giving the main address at a function on Saturday, March 24 at Trade Winds Motel.
He noted that the morality of the police was now taking a beating and challenged the executive team of president Douglas Waite, vice president Ferdie Hinds, secretary Basil Dixon, assistant secretary Hugh Byfield, treasurer Gertrude Leach-Henry, PRO Arthur Latty, chaplain Joslin Spence, marshall Carlton Taylor and others to become role models for younger men.
He appealed for more voluntary service, especially to the street boys. They are in need of help, he said, as most of them know nothing about family life, an area in which the association could play a vital role.
Congrats were offered by Mr. Hamilton, who also explained that the role of Ombudsman, which looks out for the rights of every Jamaican.
One of the objects of the association is to assist in fostering and maintaining closer and stronger links between the police and communities.
The installation exercise was conducted by national president, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Wilbert 'Bill' Bowes, who presented the president with a gavel and a copy of the constitution, after congratulating the executive and outlining their duties.
Greetings were extended by Custos A. A. Pottinger, senior Resident Magistrate for St. Mary, Mrs. Sarah James, and from the business community, Mr. Stephen Chung. A representative from the Portmore Kiwanis Club, Patricia Martin, also added to the greetings and congratulations. Egeton Winter of the national chapter also offered congrats.
