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Slain cop remembered as a hero
Cut the ties with criminals, cop tells politicians, businessmen
BY PAUL HENRY Observer staff reporter henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
Monday, June 14, 2010
POLICE Federation Chairman Sergeant Raymond Wilson yesterday made an impassioned, tear-filled plea for businessmen and politicians to sever their ties with criminal elements within the society as the constabulary laid to rest one of its members who was shot and killed during last month's unrest in sections of the capital Kingston.
Sergeant Wayne 'Max' Henriques was killed by gunmen along Mountain View Avenue after being summoned from celebrating his wedding anniversary. But in a tribute yesterday, Wilson said that the supporters of criminality were responsible for the death of his late friend.
"Let me make it absolutely clear: the little underprivileged cowards who shot and killed 'Max' are not the real killers. They are merely the 'pullers' of the triggers. Talk all we want... Max was killed by people who march in support of criminality," Wilson said.
"He was killed by business people, who by association, give all kinds of support to gangs and their criminal organisation. He was killed by our own monies. Our hard-earned tax dollars paid over in the form of contracts to organisations operating under the (cover) of legitimate businesses when their CEOs are well-known criminals and gang leaders," Wilson said to loud roars from mourners who packed the Braeton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Portmore, St Catherine.
Wilson expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the slain policeman, while calling on law-abiding citizens to stand with the Jamaica Constabulary Force in the fight to defeat criminality.
Henriques -- a 27-year veteran of the force, who was assigned to the Motorised Patrol Division at Elletson Road -- was shot and killed along Mountain View Avenue on May 23 while going to the assistance of his injured colleagues who had been pinned down under heavy gunfire from gunmen near the Excelsior High School.
Another cop was also killed during the gun battle, while six others received gunshot wounds.
Henriques, 46, is survived by his wife, four children, mother and other relatives. He was on leave celebrating his 17th wedding anniversary when he was summoned for duty.
Yesterday, Henriques was described as a hero by those who paid their respects. It was also revealed that the cop, who hails from Beecher Town in St Ann, had over the years been known for helping others. He had accumulated some 14 commendations during his career for various feats.
Henriques' colleagues turned out in their numbers yesterday, spilling out into the churchyard.
Among those who turned out for the emotional farewell were Security Minister Dwight Nelson, Police Commissioner Owen Ellington and the Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica Stephen Hallihan and his wife Cathy.
Pastor Everett Brown, who gave the homily, said that the time for talk was over and that strong action was now needed to counter criminal elements.
Following the service, Nelson reiterated the Government's resolve to defeat the crime monster.
"The Government will do whatever it takes to provide the resources for the police to do the job," Nelson told the Observer, while noting that some 2002 ballistic vests were recently secured from United States.
 
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6/14/2010
@ GT:
Otis Grant basically said he "shows no remorse for the slain cop" cuz he took the job of a police officer and since he was doing his job, i guess death by gunmen goes with the territory in his eyes. and some other gibberish that nuff police box up and kick up yute dem in custody... i take it Otis himself is either on the wrong side of the law or is affiliated with folks who are. Altho we do have good and corrupt cops, fact remains, a life was cut short and a family is left torn to pieces.
6/14/2010
@ G T - i certainly got the impression that Otis may have been dealt a 'blow'..lol
@Otis Grant- i pity you... they took down your comment because it has no place here- as others agree. I think it is YOU who has an agenda.
6/14/2010
@ Otis peope want change, may be you could use your influence and tell your friend dudus to turn his self in to the police, tell him the games over, the days of the dons are over ok.
6/14/2010
I would have loved to read what this Otis Grant wrote... seriuosly... base on what i read from other ppl comment it is fitting to say some squadie box him up quite a fe times too,
6/14/2010
yes the media is indeed a big part of our problem. i see they took down what i wrote and they had earlier printed. someone obviously has an agenda. wonder what would we would be reading if it were hitlers friends writing stories after his death?
6/14/2010
My condolences to the family. This is why we have to inform the police about criminals whever we see them. And Likewise Mr commish, you have to clean up the force because a lot of people are afraid to give info to police because word on the street is that some cops who have criminal friends will tell them about your report so they can kill you.
6/14/2010
politicians are at the heart of jamaicas problem.they are the ones who are responsible for the mess the country is in
6/14/2010
Which other country in the world, has gunmen attacking Police at will? To the defenders of the notions that this is in anyway acceptable.........You are all a guilty of murder as these triggermen! And to those who choose to send any illegal weapons to anyone in Jamaica...........You should face the same charges, as the triggermen! We need changes in the laws, to deter the changes in the 'Culture of Violence' now gripping Jamaica!
6/14/2010
people who find themselves on the wrong side of the law and go to jail(jail bird) never alway support the police. unfortunately otis your comments in my view is void.
6/14/2010
The good police are the ones who always die. Otis there are lot of good cops in the force, but i understand your position.Mr Wilson why dont you call in some of these business people and politicians like how you calling in so called gangsters.
6/14/2010
My deepest condolences to the familes of the slain officers. With that being said, I do not support criminality in any way. The police need to treat people with more respect, criminal or not. There are too many "dutty" police out there and it is shameful to see how different classes of people are dealt with. No officer was forced to take job. Some are sincere, while some see it as way to "eat some food". Mr. Wilson, union rep/officer, but i never hear him address the dirty cop issue. Clean up
6/14/2010
I like the speech that politicians and business people who support criminals are responsible for the cops death. How can the government be offering contarcts to known criminals and expect to have a civil society. This is madness. Mr Ellington, keep doing wht you are doing and root out the criminals from wherever they hide. All law abiding Jamaicans are supporting you.
6/14/2010
there is no law..in jamaica much this is why..ppl choose2 kill the most in jamaica..unless the police are instructed2 go out and do their jobs..to find these gun men or killers they stay lazy on the job. How can ppl be above a law that is not set in a solid BOLD''.This is why this path for killers to continue to go out there & kill is set at a non-stop. How can a person set up a cell area2 torture others& kill them the way they do.And we are wanting a better jamaica,when ppl fail 2 have a heart
6/14/2010
@ otis grant:
take ur negative comments elsewhere. yes, he took on a job to serve and protect, but he is human too. a husband, a son, a father. his family is in mourning and all u can say is u show no remorse. take ur little ignorant and arrogant self somewhere else. so what if u feel "babylon fi dead". it's ppl like u that prevent jamaica from ever moving forward. u nuh like police? fine. keep ur mouth shut and stop doing bad man t'ings.
6/14/2010
@otis grant go get a life not all police are bad... you do not put a 's' at the end of the word 'police'... one police many police.
6/14/2010
This is for otis grant......i've said it before, criminals and criminal minded people read and post comments in this paper. I need not say more. I agree that the PM should have been there but i cannot kill him for his absence as he might have had other engagements. I would like to have someone from from JFJ as Police have rights also and not only criminals. Pass the crime bill and lets get rid of criminals.....Well said Mr. Wilson.
6/14/2010
@Otis Grant...we are in peril of becoming inhumane when we have lost compassion for loss of life. It sounds like your ill-feelings are more as a result of the alleged 'box down, kick up and gun-butting' by the police. But just an aside regarding what the ''taxi-men endure"- respect begets respect. I do not police or for that matter, sane people in general, just walk up to someone and box down or kick up unprovoked.....think about it!!
6/14/2010
Instead of urging the politicians and businessmen to cut ties with criminals, why don't the police just build cases against them and lock them up? NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW.
The nation is sufficiently fed-up with this sort of thing right now that YOU would have our support.
What about sting operations? Why can't this be used as in other jurisdictions?
Please Mr. policeman, stop using this protection by politicians as a crutch which prevents you from doing your worK. Tape them as evidence
6/14/2010
All politicians, all business people, all so call DJS , all mothers, all baby mothers and girl friends who support these criminals have blood on there hands , all those woman who march in support of dudus even pledge to give there life for this thug, scum bag, criminal, cowerd, have blood on there hands.
6/14/2010
We pray together ,we mourn together ,now we must join together with the arm force ,and bring justice to these lowlife scum,people if its even your family member ,and you know he a criminal,please do what that African father do to his son,inform the security force, a criminal or murderer cannot be trusted,one day they will turn the gun on you family member,as for the one that cause all of this,i hope his Cat foot,don't fail him,we shall bring justice to him. R.I.P,Sir.
6/14/2010
My Condolence to the family and friends of Sgt. Wayne 'Max' Henriques.
6/14/2010
It is always painfull to see the falling of an officer that demonstrated courage in the face of great odds. My respect to the slain officer and condolences to the bereft family.
6/14/2010
My prayers are with the families of our fallen heroes. May his killers and those who support them meet their fates soon.
6/14/2010
My condolences goes to the family of this fine Police Officer, glad that officials attended "BUT WHERE WAS THE PRIME MINISTER"
if top officials showed up it would send a strong message that this is serious, and we are not relenting on the fight against "CRIMINALS and CRIMINAL BEHAVIORS."
6/14/2010
This is so sad,this brave man was slain trying to preserve decent law abiding people way of life.
Not once has the do-gooders condemn the criminals but they are quick to attack and condemn the security forces when they kill a criminal. People like Seaga and Mutty Perkings should be prosecuted for glorifying state terrorism. All these so-called Human Rights people need to consider their positions with regards to defending criminals human rights Criminals are not concerned about decent ppl rights
6/14/2010
Well said Mr.Wilson,But what about jfj this is not a worthy time to say good about another life snuffed out by HOOLIGANS or is it time for you to keep quiete and let this pass???
DECENT HONEST LAWABIDING JAMAICANS and the World is watching.
6/14/2010
Sorry, cannot even express the sadness being felt for one who has put his live on the line for the good of others snatched away much too soon. My heart goes out to his family....May the wrath of God be on his killer/s and those who support him/her.
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