LEWIN
Earl Moxam, Senior Gleaner Writer
CHIEF OF Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, says the JDF has adopted a zero tolerance approach to corruption within its ranks. Among other activities, the JDF targets any member who becomes enmeshed in the illegal drug trade, against which the military is committed to fighting.
There have been frequent reports of some police personnel being compromised by their involvement with drug dons who purchase their collaboration.
Rear Admiral Lewin candidly admitted to The Sunday Gleaner, however, that the JDF was not immune to the problem, but stressed that it was one that was being taken quite seriously with every intention to stamp out the practice.
VIGOROUS INVESTIGATIONS
Where changes are noted in the behaviour and lifestyles of JDF members, he said, these are vigorously investigated, "and if we find any hint or trace then we're going to deal with it and we deal with it very seriously!"
Where a soldier is apparently living beyond his means, the JDF immediately commences an investigation, according to the Chief of Staff. "... and we just simply call the person in and say explain it. And if there is not a reasonable explanation then we have to make certain assumptions."
While acknowledging that there might be a reasonable explanation for the unexpected opulence, such as family connections, he said that where such explanations were not forthcoming "we are going to part company".
Personal use of drugs could also result in a soldier being expelled from the military, according to the Chief of Staff. He emphasised, however, that where a soldier comes forward and admits to having a drug dependency problem, it is treated as a medical issue, in which case the army provides treatment. The JDF, as a matter of policy, carried out random and selective drugs testing, he said.
The Chief of Staff, striking a no-nonsense tone, emphasised that he was determined to do all in his power to support the police in rooting out the drug menace and related challenges to the Jamaican society.
"I have to live in this country and, as I tell people, if you see me in a foreign country, I'm either a visitor or a refugee. And so this country has to be made to work for the people who live here and who will come in the future. We are very clear that the police have primacy; we're there to assist the police, and anything we have any skills or expertise which the police find useful in their crime-fighting efforts we will make available. We know our limitations; we work within our legal and constitutional restraints, but we are here to help because we have to make this country liveable," he said.
