Misha Lobban, Gleaner Writer

Adams

Real friendship is shown in times of trouble; prosperity is full of friends. - Euripedes

Known for his trademark dark glasses and army fatigues, Reneto DeCordova Valentino Adams has been regarded as one of Jamaica's most controversial, yet celebrated, cops. He has been highly criticised by human rights activists and other groups for his unorthodox crime-fighting methods, yet praised and admired by members of the public for helping to keep crime at a minimum in many volatile communities.

Adams has held several high-profile positions in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), including assistant superintendent assigned to the Special Anti-Crime Task Force, which was established as part of a strategy to fight crime.

In September 2000, the Government established the Crime Management unit to address the country's spiralling crime problem, and Adams was considered the best man to head the unit. However, in 2003, Senior Superintendent Adams, along with other members of his unit, was charged in connection with the shooting of four persons in Kraal, Clarendon, in that year. They were acquitted of the charges in 2005.

On July 11, 2008, SSP Adams retired from the JCF after 41 years of service, leaving behind him a record as a successful crime fighter and a legacy of controversy.

One of his latest ventures since retirement is acting, having joined the cast of the local television drama, Royal Palm Estates.

His best friend is Nigel Robinson, businessman, who also mentors youths in inner-city communities. In this week's feature, Nigel tells us of Adams' passion for cars, his appreciation for life and nature, his no-nonsense personality, as well as his honesty and loyalty.

How did you meet Reneto Adams, and how long have you been friends?

Some years ago (about 1997/1998), he and his team were conducting a patrol along Arnold Road (Kingston), and they stopped at a bar nearby. I was there having a drink and I went over and introduced myself to him. After that I would see him at Heineken Startime and we would talk about various things, and our friendship developed from there. During his interdiction for the Kraal incident, I told myself that 'a friend in need is a friend indeed', and so I would visit him, talk with him and just be a source of support.

Tell us what you admire most about him, and why you think you have remained friends all these years.

He is honest and trustworthy. If he says he is going to do something for me or anyone, he is going to deliver.

He is a perfectionist. One example is that he has a passion for cars, and whenever we work together on his vehicles, everything has to be 150 per cent perfect for him.

He is a leader and a no-nonsense person, but he has a gentle, caring side to him. I always tell him that he doesn't know the extent of his influence in terms of what he has done for the country in keeping crime at a minimum, while he was in the force.

One of the things that keep us connected is that we appreciate life and nature (the beach, the hills, etc.) and we tend to think alike.

Tell us something interesting about him.

He loves cars and has a collection, including a vintage Chevrolet CamaroZ28, an Evolution Lancer and a sports car.

He currently has a farm in St Elizabeth, where he rears animals and plants different types of crops.

What are some of the things you talk about when you get together?

We talk about politics, current affairs, crime, international news and personal things.

Share with us one of the happiest moments you have experienced with him.

I accompanied him to court on several occasions during the Kraal hearings and, at the end of the trial, when he was found not guilty, I was so happy that tears came to my eyes.

Tell us the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of him and why.

Intelligent ... he has a wealth of knowledge, yet he is always willing to learn.

What are his favourite food, favourite music and favourite sport?

Curried lobster with vegetables.

He loves vintage music.

Motor racing.

Tell us the colour that you associate with him:

Yellow - signifying someone you'll never forget

Orange - signifying someone you consider your true friend

Red - signifying someone you really love

Green - signifying someone who has had a significant impact on your life.

I would say yellow, orange and red. We are true friends. We keep in touch with each other three or four times per day and we have learnt a lot from each other. He is warm, truthful, loyal - he is a man of his word and he will not let you down. I think our friendship is very special.

From left: Wayne James, Reneto Adams and Nigel Robinson. - Contributed

Please send your feedback and comments to lobban_misha@yahoo.com.