KINGSTON, Jamaica — Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional affiliate of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), says the attempt by the Police Officer’s Association of Jamaica to silence Minister of National Security, Robert Montague is disappointing and counter to public interest.

G2K’s proclamation follows a statement by the Jamaica Police Officer’s Association taking issue with Montague and engaging the media on what it said are “matters of national interest”.

“We are living in a new paradigm where the public expects information on matters of national interest to be shared promptly. The Minister of National Security has a responsibility to use all avenues and tools available to meet this expectation. This new approach has lifted the veil from the JCF officer corps, which simply cannot continue to operate like a secret society,” said G2K President, Stephen Edwards.

The Police Officers’ Association, which represents the officers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), in its statement specifically pointed to communications by Montague about promotions within the JCF and the handling of the entertainment event held on New Year’s Day, in the vicinity of the Palisadoes Strip.

Edwards said “by all indications the minister has not interfered with the operational mandate of the commission but must be able to comment publicly on matters which affect the efficiency and morale of the force such as the issues of promotions. It was only after the minister’s public statements that action was taken to promote members of the rank and file members of the JCF who had grown disheartened and frustrated. Also, it was only through the minister’s public statements that the public was assured that the Government was actively probing the Palisadoes Strip / entertainment event that prevented persons from traversing the essential thoroughfare.”

Generation 2000 said it is now encouraging Montague to continue to use all tools and avenues available to keep the public informed, including traditional and social media.

The organisation is also calling on the minister to update the country on the findings of the report about the debacle caused by the New Year’s day event.