Dear Editor,
In connection with statements made during the parliament meeting concerning the function book of the police we, the WICSU/PSU, would like to inform the general public that during 2016 the 3 unions WICSU/PSU, NAPB-SXM and ABVO represented the GOA. We sat for almost 8 months working on these documents, now reaching the final stage where the ministers have to make the final decision. They are suggesting amending certain things which would carry the process back through all the legal governmental procedure.
A covenant was signed agreeing as to placing and fixing the functions of the police. In 2017 when a new Minister of Justice came in, everything went on a standstill, Government is supposed to be continuous.
In signing the covenant, provisions were made in case amendments are needed. This would take place after the signing and placing of the police in their correct functions. Up to now we as unions do not understand why a function book that is not signed can be used when it is convenient and other times the officers have to wait until it is signed. Something is wrong with that picture.
The police officers are leaving for better opportunities, as they are not seeing any future after 8 years. And this is posing a serious safety issue for everyone because there will be less patrols to monitor the safety of the public at large.
The officers that are still working are doing it because they like the job.
Deborah Rombley
Vice-President
Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU)
