Cops promise no retreat

Adrian Frater, News Editor

From left: National Security Minister Derrick Smith; Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, Commissioner of Police; Deputy Commissioner of Police Jevene Bent, and Assistant Commissioner of Police for Area One, Clifford Blake, at the funeral service for Sergeant Allan Lindsay at the Torrington Wesleyan Holiness Church in Strathbogie, Westmoreland, yesterday. Sgt. Lindsay was gunned down in Glendevon, St. James, on December 1. - photo by Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

Despite losing 20 of their colleagues to criminals since the start of the year, the police are quite determined and resolute in declaring that there will be no let-up in their bid to rein in lawlessness and make Jamaica a safe place once again.

At yesterday's funeral for slain Police Sergeant Allan Lindsay at the Torrington Wesleyan Church in Strathbogie, Westmoreland, several members of the police hierarchy pledged to remain vigilant and resolute in their bid to arrest lawlessness.

Sergeant Lindsay was murdered by gunmen in Montego Bay just over two weeks ago. The sergeant, who was relieved of his service revolver and bullet-proof vest by his killers, is one of three policemen killed in Montego Bay in recent weeks.

Difficult times

"We are going through some difficult times as we have lost three members from this area in quick succession," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake, the commanding officer for Area One. "However, I want to reassure the nation that we will be more resolute than ever in our bid to make Jamaica safe again."

Amid glowing tributes in word and song from family members, colleagues and well-wishers, Corporal Raymond Wilson, the chairman of the Police Federation, lashed out against those who put the rights of criminals above the life of the police, as he lamented the gruesome manner in which Sergeant Lindsay killed.

"Sergeant Lindsay was in uniform in a marked police vehicle, and yet, it never stopped his killers from slaughtering him most gruesomely," said Corporal Wilson. "He met his death serving, and is a victim of a pandemic he himself pledged and confronted on behalf of the nation."

National Security Minister Derrick Smith and newly installed Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, pledge their full support to the police in what they say should be a concerted effort by the nation to confront and conquer the scourge of criminality.

"We are happy with the commitment of the police to remain resolute in the fight against criminals," Smith said. "We are making a commitment that we will be making sure that those who go out to combat the criminals are provided with the required protective gear."

While the tributes flowed, several members of the congregation were moved to tears when Sergeant Lindsay's five-year-old daughter paid tribute to him in song, expressing a desire to meet him again in the afterlife.

Sergeant Lindsay was given a 21-gun salute, which is reserved for police personnel killed in the line of duty. He was interred at the St. George's Memorial Park, Westmoreland.