THE EDITOR, Sir:
PLEASE ALLOW me the use of this medium to respond to a letter published in The Sunday Gleaner dated 19th January 2003 under the caption "No Bligh".
Mr. Fletcher, the writer in undoubtedly very articulate terms, described the circumstances leading to the towing of his vehicle and the issue of a no-parking ticket on my instructions.
By his own admission, he parked his vehicle in a clearly visible "no parking area", what he did not state is perhaps the most cogent aspect of the whole incident, that is exactly where the car was parked.
Mr. Fletcher parked his motor vehicle on the left hand side of Temple Lane, five metres away from the large signs one marked "No Parking" and the other indicating the entrance of the multi-story municipal parking lot opposite the Supreme Court which charges a paltry $60 for parking.
There were several considerations taken into account in determining whether the vehicle so parked should be towed.
Firstly, Mr. Fletcher, in contempt of the law ignored the sign by parking his car to be washed only metres from the entrance of the parking lot and immediately across from the Court.
Secondly, unattended vehicles present a potential security threat to the courts' location on Justice Square.
Thirdly, it caused congestion to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Under the circumstances, should Mr. Fletcher be given a 'bligh' especially after the car was mounted on the wrecker?
This was discretion on my part. Having advised myself of his history of road trafficking infraction, I determined that a bligh would serve no useful purpose.
"No Bligh fe none a uno teday" while seemingly reflective of Creole intervention, was clearly understood by Mr. Fletcher, a statement I could have made as eloquently in four other languages - Standard English, Spanish, Afrikaans or Ovambo.
"The Mr. Fletchers" of this society certainly have cause for concern regarding my elevations through the ranks and the attendant no-nonsense approach to law enforcement. Thankfully, his opinion is confined to a minority.
The majority of Jamaican citizens are unequivocal in their demand for the rot in the Jamaican society, which is largely predicated on indiscipline, to cease.
I am, etc.,
KEITH M.D. GARDNER, M.G., B.H. (M), B.Sc. (HONS.), LLB. (HONS.), S.S.P.
Actg Assistant Commissioner of Police Services Branch
