Mark Titus, Freelance Writer

National Security Minister Derrick Smith views the body of late Assistant Commissioner of Police Gilbert Kameka during a memorial service at the Mount Salem Seventh-day Adventist Convention Centre in Montego Bay yesterday. Behind Smith is Junior Security Minister Arthur Williams. - Photo by Mark Titus

WESTERN BUREAU:

Jamaica was accused yesterday of being an "ungrateful nation" for the disrespect shown to the nation's police force which daily battles brazen murderers. This charge was issued by Sidjea Robinson, niece of Gilbert Kameka, the slain assistant commissioner of police whose marathon funeral took place at the Mount Salem Seventh-day Adventist Convention Centre in Montego Bay.

"We criticise the police, lambaste them and discount the value of the work that they do, while they get a basket to carry water," said a passionate Robinson.

"Police officers put their lives on the line for the sake of law, order and justice. They expect no thanks, but they do expect respect and support."

Robinson's was one of approximately 20 tributes offered during the four-and-a-half-hour service at the packed convention centre for the life of a man described as non-confrontational, "humble, yet indomitable" and "one of the brightest minds to ever join the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)".

Yielding no ground

Superintendent Norman Heywood, chairman of the Police Officers' Association, declared that the police "would not yield an inch of soil to thugs with guns".

Retired ACP Linton Latty, in belligerent fashion, advocated for the application of the Mosaic law - an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.

Musical tributes came from the Area Four Police Choir, the ACP's alma mater, Manning's School, and the JCF choir.

Smith promises justice

Security Minister Derrick Smith, who read a lesson at the funeral, sent a direct message to the criminals that law-abiding Jamaicans would not surrender to them.

"I want to assure you that the Government of Jamaica will not leave one stone unturned in our pursuit to bring to justice those who have struck at the very heart of the security of our nation."

The eulogy was read by Deputy Commissioner of Police Linval Bailey.

Kameka became the most senior policeman to be murdered in Jamaica in recent memory when he was shot dead in the rustic community of Irish Town in St. Andrew on November 29.

ACP Kameka had served the Jamaica Constabulary Force for 28 years and was the commander of the Area Four Police Division. Kameka's coffin was draped with the Jamaican flag, the cop's hat and sword resting neatly on top. He was buried with full honours atthe family plot in Haddo, Westmoreland.