Mark Beckford, Staff Reporter

Colonel Trevor MacMillan has confirmed that he will be assuming the post of national security minister. - File

Former police chief, Colonel Trevor MacMillan, last night confirmed that he will replace Derrick Smith as minister of national security after reports of the switch emerged last Friday.

"It is factual, it is going to happen. Like I have greeted every time I have been asked to serve my country by either political parties, it is an honour to serve my country," he told The Gleaner yesterday.

MacMillan, who served as the head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force from 1993-96, did not elaborate on plans he might have to battle the persistent crime gripping the island until the official announcement is made by Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

Cabinet meets today

Confirmation is likely to occur today after Cabinet meets to discuss the planned change in the leadership of the security ministry.

Deputy general secretary of the Jamaica Labour Party, Senator Ian Murray, has been tapped as the sacrificial lamb as MacMillan will need a seat in the Upper House to slide into the Cabinet.

When contacted yesterday, Murray did not confirm or deny if he would be the one to go.

"The only comment I can make is that I know the prime minister will be making some announcement in that regard."

Murray went on to say he would give up his seat if it was in the national good.

"Certainly, if it is for the national good, it would be something worth doing. I am part of a team and if it is for the national good, it is something I would not deny."

Rank rift

The move, however, is being greeted with caution by some government officials who say there could be problems in the relationship between MacMillan and current top cop, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, both former army men.

Sources also claim that the rank chasm between the two - MacMillan left the Jamaica Defence Force as a colonel, while Lewin was head honcho - could cause a rift in their working relationship.

Despite the impending appointment, players in the national security sector remained mum yesterday when asked for comment.

Opposition spokesman on national security, Peter Phillips, was coy when asked to comment on the scenario.

"All I hear is the speculation at the moment and I would want to wait until the official word is given," he told The Gleaner last night.

General secretary of the Police Federation, Corporal Hartley Stewart, was in similar mood.

"It is the Government who determines how they allocate the portfolio at the ministry level for policy purposes and the Jamaica Constabulary Force is there for operational purposes. Therefore, we have always championed that the policy persons do not get too much involved with operations and it is not our place to get involved with policy," he told The Gleaner last night.

"The prime minister has the right to select the minister most capable to deal with security issues," he continued.

Spiralling murders

With more than 500 persons murdered across the island since January, government officials are concerned that Smith's replacement must be someone who will not have a long learning curve.

It is believed that MacMillan will provide a stronger presence in the security ministry with his in-your-face style and media savvy.

Smith has faced the brunt of criticism levelled at the eight-month-old Golding administration for its failure to collar crime. Even among his government colleagues, Smith has detractors who claim that his laid-back style has not inspired confidence.

mark.beckford@gleanerjm.com