Dear Editor,

Under the direction of a police corporal and a social worker in Hanover, Jamaica, the year 1954 saw the birth of a movement that has withstood the test of time. It has produced some very well-respected and productive men and women who have contributed significantly to Jamaica.

Lawyers, doctors, teachers, nurses and just about every profession in the world have been produced by the Police Youth Club Movement of Jamaica. This organisation is the most, if not the only well-organised youth movement in Jamaica and, I dare say, the Caribbean.

In recent times we have had ups and downs with the parent organisation — the Jamaica Constabulary Force — and the Island Special Constabulary Force, but notwithstanding, we remained faithful to that bond between us.

Members of the Police Youth Club, for the most part, have been labelled as police informers and just about all things negatively associated with the work of the police in some communities. It is on this basis that I write this letter, as in recent days many of our members who have served five to 10 years are not being given the opportunity to become police officers.

The police youth club has an approximate membership of just over 10,000, many with professional backgrounds, eight or more cxc subjects, degrees and other qualifications, so I found it rather ridiculous and insensitive of a certain senior police official, saying in a private discussion that he would rather look outside of the police youth club to fill the gaps of the constabulary.

The police youth club, of course, is not a recruitment centre for the police force, but we are already familiar with police procedures. Why not look within your own household first?

We are qualified, even more qualified than the degree applicants you want, Mr senior official. This is called service to country, not self.

Kemar Brown

Kemar.a.brown@hotmail.com