Commentary

No Jamaicans to lead Jamaica

"IT'S ABSOLUTELY fabulous," some may say, but why is it that Jamaica always seem to need guidance from outside influences?

A story in yesterday's Gleaner, said the Police Service Commission (PSC) is slated to begin interviewing overseas officers to fill roles in our police force. While this is by no means a totally negative thing, it does send an underlying message that we are unable to control our own.

We have all heard the allegations of corruption in the force, but surely there must be a policeman that can be promoted and can lead the force effectively. If not, what does this say about the entry requirements, the force and the country?

Some may say that the entry requirements have nothing to do with it, but it is the character of the men that should be called into question. Isn't there some sort of probationary period that they have to pass through as well - five years maybe?

What makes a man from another country better able to deal with corruption than those here? This kind of mentality isn't one that is unique to the police force, but is seen in the wider society. It is a Jamaican mentality: 'Anything from foreign must be good'.