Like the moth which is attracted to light so too BU’s recent predilection with Commissioner Darwin Dottin’s stewardship of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF). Are we worried that Dottin and his deputy Bertie Hinds are not singing from the same song sheet? Hell yes! A disunited RBPF against a criminal element which has organized itself using ‘best in class’ strategies, tactics and weapons cannot hope to efficiently deliver on its mandate to protect and serve.
At a recent press conference Dottin basked in the moment created by the capture of two suspects who have subsequently been charged in connection with the Campus Trendz matter. BU is on record applauding the good work of the force which responded hastily to the public outrage by registering a quick capture. Regrettably the traditional press allowed itself to be overwhelmed by the moment and did not place our top cop under any pressure if we are to judge by questions asked.
What progress has the Cold Case Squad made in the last two years?
What grade has the top cop given Operation Road Order Maintenance?
What strategy is the RBPF implementing to stop the exodus of policemen to more high paying jobs abroad?
Last week the price of gold closed at near record $1,292.55 an ounce. This nugget of information resonated because the word ‘underground’ is that there has been a rash of burglaries where the MO is to steal gold. Barbadians would have observed the many newspaper advertisements with cash for gold offerings in recent weeks/months. A recent high profile crime it is alleged involved cash for gold. While the Commissioner of Police seeks to reassure Barbadians that we are not as badly off as out neighbours, BU has taken little solace from his utterance. What we know from the ‘underground’ is that we have a trendline which is headed in the wrong direction.
In addition to the cash for gold crimes, we have the worrying reports that a recent rise in crime in the Caribbean has been linked to deportees from the USA. It seems at no time has the Commissioner of Police confided in Bajans the extent to which deportees are playing a part in organized crime in Barbados. Yes we accept that national security requires certain confidentialities to be maintained however the police cannot* fight crime successfully without the participation of Barbadians. BU continues to marvel how Barbados unlike other countries in the world has never*convicted a corrupt politician. How is this relevant you ask? Think about it!
Say what you like BU has not forgotten the incident which occurred recently when Deputy Commissioner Bertie Hinds flipped a decision made by Commissioner Dottin as soon as he was at the airport. Those who have observed the two at close quarters and other members of the police hierarchy have informed BU that the body language indicates there is clear tension within the top brass of the RBPF. A true leader will always be challenged to lead and therefore the expectation from Barbadians is that Dottin must find an answer to deflate what tensions currently exist or resign.
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