True Story - Betrayed by the Executive of the SVG Police Welfare Associations

When I became a police officer, I was told about and I was introduced to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Welfare Association (the Police Union) while I was still in training school. I always showed an interest in the business of the association; because I knew, the Police Welfare Association (P.W.A), is a very important protective mechanism, for police officer, especially; the most junior of the institution. Unfortunately there was and still is, a lack of trust among the P.W.A members for the P.W.A executive. 

This was and may still be so, for the simple fact there was a history of the leading and most vocal members of the Executive, after elected sought to lookout for their personal interest; over the welfare of its members. The highly vocal members of the welfare executive, seems to receive sudden promotions; as a result, of their promotion; their enthusiasm waned. They became totally new people, with a loss of desire to work for or on behalf of the members of the PWA. The others were too afraid to take any actions against senior staff that had violated the rights of the members. 

I was being supervised by a man whom I considered a police Historian: Sgt. Adam Billingy AKA Bill. Every opportunity I get, I look for clarity about police events, I heard about, but never had the full scoop on. Sgt. Billingy had the full scoop on all event police. From the shooting of the puppy by then inspector Bascombe, to infamous police sick out; led by Mr. Blue. I was fascinated by the police sick out. I heard about the inside planning that led to the sickout, what went wrong, and how it could have been more effective; as well as the laws that were in place and the laws that was put into place to hold officers criminal liable for any such actions. I had my opinion. 

I studied all of the laws that related to police and police taking protest actions. I knew how to successfully execute such a protest action without being held criminal liable. By this time, a great number of police officer found me, each time they found themselves in trouble, with the police authority. I will give them sound counsel, which always resolved their case. Police officers came from all over to seek my counsel on all degree of work related matter. It is interested, this trend continued when I went to Bermuda. 

I was assigned to Justice Don Mitchell and was a regular on the political interactive radio programs. As a result, I decided to run for the top post in the Police Welfare Association. I was bubbling over with plans to enhance the working conditions, to force the hierarchy to create policy that will be of benefit to the welfare of the men. At the time St. Vincent and the Grenadines was going through a turbulent political period and I had a plan for that also. 

The law gives the time frame for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Welfare Association to have general elections, the time frame had passed and there were no preparation to facilitate the preliminaries to the elections. I had made my intention known. The police bosses and the politicians on both sides were quite comfortable with the current chairman and since I had declared my intentions to run for the post, they were afraid that my popularity would have given me the victory; hence the reason for the delay. 

As a result, I wrote to the Deputy Commissioner of police Mr. William Harry, informing him of the law as it relates to the Welfare Association annual general meeting; I also informed him, if he did not put the mechanism in place, to ensure the election is held, I am going to take him to small claims court for damages for denying me of my lawful rights. Not because I want money but to embarrassed him. Soon after the Deputy Commissioner received my latter, he put the mechanism in place to facilitate the P.W.A elections, which includes the date for the elections. 

I told Justice Mitchell, of my intent to seek the post of chair of the P.W.A; he did not express his opinion on the matter. However; I contested and lost the chairmanship of the P.W.A but was elected secretary. When I broke the news of my defeat to Justice Mitchell, he give a victorious and audible yes! he shook his head approving the decision of the members not to elect me as Chairman of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Welfare Association.

Then he said, Mr. Palmer I must tell you, I am happy you did not win the elections, let me tell you why he said. He told me a story and he called the names of some people, he was friends with in Anguilla, who took some unpopular acts against the government, and he was found guilty in the court of popular, political, opinion, of being the master mind behind the men’s actions. As a result; Justice Mitchell was black balled by the government. 

The Judge further said, Mr. Palmer knowing you, you are going to come up with, execute and stand by some very unpopular things and like what happened so many years ago, everyone is going to believe that I am the one who was giving you counsel. They will never believe me if I said the plans were all your ideas.

He paused for a while as he looked out at the sea. I wanted to ask you not to run for the post, but I did not want to get involved in discouraging you to service in whatever way you could. Well don’t take it too hard, there is always next year: he said with a justifiable smiled on his face. The officers were still coming to me for help, and I did my best in offering them the best help I knew how. 

By this time the St. Vincet and the Grenadines political impasse was in full motions. The local unions had joined with the political opposition with personal promises to the union leaders for their support and the support of their members. There was chaos in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the opposition had promised to make the country ungovernable and he was succeeding in doing so. I was approached my Sgt. Charles who was later promoted to Commissioner of police by Ralph Gonsalves as well as lenford Brewster who was also later promoted to Assistance Commissioner of Police. Both men approached me on separate occasion. I honestly did not know that these two men were actually the opposition leader: Ralph Gonsalves Bitches. 

At the time Charles was a member of the PWA however, both men came to me and tried to entice me into pushing the P.W.A to joining the impasse. They said, Palmer, all of the other unions are on strike what we doing? I told both of them the same thing; I said; we are police officer, our sworn obligation is to protect the community and to uphold the law. What will happen if, the police join into the strike, who is going to protect the people who are striking? This will be total anarchy. We are police officers we are not politicians, it is our responsibility to protect the strikers to ensure they have a safe environment to exercise their lawful and democratic rights. 

I also took the time to share with them my plans. I said I am going to use this political deadlock to put the police at an advantage. I explained, I am in the process of preparing a document; then I am going to make arrangement to see the Prime Minister, and present to him the document, and asked him what he can do for us base on the critical needs of the constabulary. 

After which, I am going to make arrangement to see the Opposition leader, which will be easy because of his desperation; I am going to let him know what the government has offer and find out what he was going to do for the police and in what time frame after which, I will make a presentation to the general body and have them vote their conscience. Unfortunately I could not get executive support for this plan; the executive members of the Police Welfare Association was afraid to join me. An opportunity missed because of fear. 

One day, I met PC Lett at Central Police Station in Kingstown; PC Lett was on suspension from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, after he was implicated in the shooting death of a civilian, while he was on duty at South Rivers with the Drug Squad (Narcotic department). Lett’s implications and suspension did not sit well with me. I was also hearing some conflicting stories. I knew PC Lett, before he became a police officer. I first met PC Lett, While, I was assigned at the Chateaubelair Police Station, Lett was a well-mannered, discipline teenager; who was just completing secondary schooling. At the time the young man was looking into possible careers choices. He wanted my opinion on becoming a police officer. 

Now the cool young man was suspended from his job on a criminal indictment and was awaiting a High Court trial for the homicide. I inquired about Letts Defense only to discover that the young suspended police officer did not have a lawyer because he could not afford the services of a lawyer. I knew the young man’s family and knew they were not in a position to afford a lawyer. I was shocked, extremely upset and I was heartbroken; for the ambitious young man. All he wanted was an opportunity to help his family and now even that was taken away from him. 

I thought for a while, Let was out on official duties when the incident occurred; he was the most junior of the party (Fresh out of Training School); his alleged actions was not malicious, vengeful or excessive force; I still did not believe that Lett was responsible for the man’s death. I am of the opinion, that people within that department, took advantage of the young constable inexperience and naivety and used him as a patsy, leaving him holding the ax handle: taking the blame for someone else’s actions. 

I knew lets conditions and knew his domestic condition, the young man just wanted to create a better life for himself and his family. He was literally alone in this fight. All of his colleagues were on the job and let was suspended. I was of the opinion that the Government should pay for this young man’s defense and I had quite a winning argument and if they don’t pay for his defense, I was going to take them to court to ensure that they did. 

As a result, I told Let, go out and find a lawyer of your choosing, tell them that I Allan H. Palmer of the Police Welfare Association give you permission to retain them to represent him in this matter. I was going to ensure the Government pay for PC lette’s defense. As a result I prepared a document with my argument and I sent the said letter to the Minister of National Security and copied it to the relevant authority. Needless to say, the Government paid for PC Lette’s defense and he was acquitted criminal charges. 

One day, I drove into the Central Police Station; I notice the entire PWA executive was standing around in the yard. In my ignorance of the gathering, I asked what was happening, because I did not know there was a meeting. I asked my friend and Course B (one who train to be police together) Daniel. He said, the Acting Commissioner William Harry invited the executive to a meeting in his office. I asked how could he invite the executive for a meeting in his office and I was not there. 

It was then I was told that they were specifically told not to inform me of the meeting. Apparently the then acting commissioner of police William Harry told the PWA executive, I am going to get them into trouble; he did not offer them any evidence of how I was going to get them in trouble, after which he insisted that they move a motion of no confidence against me and he insisted that the PWA voted on the motions of no confidence in his office and in his presence; which they all did. 

I asked my friend and Course B, and no one defended me, when I asked him if he voted he said, after everyone decided I went along with them and I also voted with them. The whole process was illegal, corrupt and may very well be criminal coercion. Here we have the chief law enforcer involved in criminally coercion his junior to break the law of the land. 

This was not the legal process of obtaining a vote of no confidence motion, and the involvement of the commissioner of police who used his office coerced his juniors were contrary to the law. It was stink and it was illegal. However, sometime later, certain people were walking around proudly displaying their promotion. Their promotion was the price of: Blood; the reward of betraying the honest and hardworking men and women of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. 

I choose not to fight the decision of the other executive members, because after what they did, the weakness they displayed and the betrayal; I did not care to be their friend or to work with them in the capacity. Some time after, I remembered some advise my father give me. He said, no matter what you do. Don't every become a trade union leader. He said they will betray you. 

Then my father Hamilton Palmer told me a story to support and justified his counsel. Unfortunately, here I was, having forgot my father's counsel; only to be bitten in the same way he had predicted so many years before his death.

True Story - Allan Palmer first day in Greggs as a Police Officer

It was Friday morning, I was getting ready to leave work, on a day off, when I was informed that I will be transfer to the Biabou Police Station, the transfer is effective the following day. I always looked forward to being transfer to a new police station, and or a new police district. A transfer was never a problem for me, ever since my first transfer to Barrouallie Police Station some eight years earlier. Sgt. Billingy was my Supervisor, at the time and he saw my apprehension about the uncertainty. 

Sgt. Billingy had a knowledge of who were working at all of the police station, and he knew them by names. As a result, he told me "do not ever be afraid of a transfer; always look forward to meeting new people  to work in a new community." He continued "I know the fellows who are working at Barrouallie and they are all nice people, good fellers to work with." He called some of the names to put me at ease. He jokingly said, there is a beautiful woman police at Barrouallie, her name is Ms. Clark, you will like Ms. Clark" Sgt. Billingy said, pause for a while as a big optimistic smile erupted on his face. Then he continued: "the next time I see you, you may be married" then he had a good laugh in a typical Billingy carefree style. 

Sgt. Bill's encouragement was what I needed at that juncture. I enjoyed Barrouallie so much I always looked forward to transfers. It was Saturday Morning and I reported to Biabou Police Station; Sgt. Ashley Francis was the None Commission Officer (NCO) responsible for the station and the personnel for the weekend. I knew Sgt. Francis from my assignment at the Transport Division a subsidiary department of the Traffic Branch. 

The morning at the Biabou Police Station, got off to a slow start. Sgt. Francis was working station officer, we were all hanging around the station doing nothing, then Sgt. Francis suggested that I go out and make a patrol to learn the district, in his own words "come Monday we have a lot of work to do." As a result, I went on a patrol, I knew the place, but I was not familiar with the boundaries of the villages and the official names of the streets. As a result, I made a blind drive through the district. 

It is important to note, that the rural areas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines did not have posted street names, or indicators of entering and exiting a parish, a town, or a village. A new police officer or a tourist going about on the island, will have to find their way around base on major landmarks. 

I drove through Greggs Village. Unfortunately, my knowledge of Greggs was more theatrical than experiential. I knew Greggs but I did not know much about Greggs, it was one of the stop on my father's Sunday expeditions on the Windward Course. We made one stopped at his friend: Mr. Daniel’s Shop in Greggs and another stop at Morris Shop in Lowmans Windward.

A lot of people do not know that Greggs, Lauders and Lomans Windward are where the greatest remnant of the Garifuna people in S.V.G resides. After the Carib war, and after Chief Chatoyer was alleged to have been killed, rather then captivity or suicide they escape to the dense mountain ridge on the island where they still life today. It is important to note, it is not safe for men from other part of the island, for whatever reason, to move into and take up residence in these communities; however, it is quiet acceptable from the men to bring in their woman.

In addition to this, my other experience was related to me by friend; from my neighborhood. Once Nola Debique/John, organized a youth soccer team from Rose Place (Bottom Town) to travel to Greggs to participate in a friendly soccer game. This even took place on a Saturday morning, I was going on the trip; however, I went to church instead. I was anxious to learn about the trip. 

I was informed that the team from Bottom Town was beating the Greggs team bad; the members of the community got upset and actually got involved in the game, as a result, of the community involvement, the members of the Bottom Town team had to run for their life, in order to get away from an angry mob that began to chase and throw stone at them. Boy was I happy I was not a part of the expedition. The team was made to run from the Greggs playing field to Lowmans Bridge where the Driver of the van went to have a drink at a shop. 

However, today, I was a police in the Greggs Community, I was in the process of driving through the village, and as I drove each time I saw an elder in the community, I reduced the speed of the vehicle extend a friendly good morning to them; they often reply with a friendly good morning in return. I was making connections and establishing myself with the people. 

Each time I went into a new community, I choose senior citizen and young children to befriend. This was so because most of the time a senior is going through a period of insecurity and could always benefit from being friends with a police officer; they are more likely to reciprocate your friendship. The other members of the community I befriend are the children, and I do so because they are curious, they are not tainted with the stereotypical mentality about police officer. They also are quick to reciprocate your friendship. When the other members of the community see you interacting with the old people and playing with children, they see as being ok friendly person and they tend to trust you and consider you to be a cool police officer. 

I was driving north along the Greggs Main Road, when I reached near the Seventh Day Adventist Church; I came upon four senior citizens standing on the left side or the western side of the road; in front of a house having a friendly conversation. There was one woman sitting on what look like a bench in front of her door; from her position, one can conclude that she was the lawful occupant of that house. The door of the house was about three and a half feet above the Greggs Pubic Road. There was a wall stairway, which consisted of about four steps, which connected the house to the public road. 

One of women was standing on the second round of the four steps, which made up the stairsway; while the other two women stood on the public road in front of the steps of the single story house. I came to a stop where the women were speaking and I said good morning ladies, how are you all doing today. The lady in turn told me good morning and declared that they were doing find. We had a short conversation, where I introduced myself as a new police to the district, then I continue my patrol. 

I drove north to the end of the main road, and discovered it was the end of the road - a dead end; as a result, I turned the marked police vehicle around and went back from whence I came traveling south along the Gregges Public Road. When I arrived in the approximate vicinity, where I saw and spoke to the four elderly women who were still engaged in conversation; I notice three young men in their early to mid-twenties walking north, opposite of my travels on the Greggs Public Road. They were smoking a very fat marijuana cigarette openly. They blew the smoke in the air with no regards or respect for the senior citizen, who were standing on the side of the road enjoying a friendly Saturday morning conversation. 

The fellers saw the police vehicle coming towards them, but they did not alter their behaviors. I slowed down the marked police vehicle; I hanged my right hand and my head out of the vehicle, in order to speak to the youths. I am now in the immediate vicinity of the elderly women; I asked the young men, Is that legal? I was speaking of the Marijuana Cigarette they were passing around between the three of them as they walked along the street, freely blowing their smoke into the fresh Greggs mountain air; they refused to modify their behavior, even with the approaching mark police vehicle. 

I am not one to arrest a person for smoking a Marijuana joint; if I were to, I would have been a hypocrite. I am from Bottom Town, and frequented Paul's Avenue (The Slum) I have been around Marijuana smoking most of my life, a large number of my friends smoked, one of my best friend and mentor’s; Jah-I smoked, even though he have never smoked in my presence, since I became a police officer; however he would put out his spliff, when I was present. Let us not forget the charge for Marijuana is not smoking, but simply having marijuana in your possession. 

I was about to drive off leaving the young men to go on their way. When I heard the one of the young men said: “officer; if you know what is good for you, you will go on your way”. I realized to let that remarks pass will not be good for my credibility policing that community. After all, I am a police officer - I enforce the law, I am from Bottom Town - grow up among the toughest; Love-I, Jah-I, nor Ming would not have back down from such a challenge; I am the son of Hamilton Palmer - I have seen my father fight numerous times; he was never afraid and I am the little brother of The Nazi: my Karate teacher - Nazi had prepared me for moments like these; therefore, I was ready.

All of these men always find a way to overcome their adversaries when the odds are against them. I am their student; I am the student of the best. I was not afraid of these guys. I have fought against multiple opponent before and walked away standing tall. However, this was a different situation. Nevertheless, I was not going to show fear not even under the circumstances. I got out of the police vehicle, unarmed, and without the police issued baton. 

By this time, One of the residence who saw the confrontation, and knew what the young men were like; immediately placed to the Biabou Police Station, informing the Sgt. of the current situation. There was only one problem, the Biabou Police Station had one vehicle and I had the vehicle. I totally forgot the senior citizen were present and looked my focus on dealing with the debacle I was now involved in. I walked over to the three young men; who proceeded to surround me, as if to launch an attacked from three different angle simultaneously. I did not have a plan, when I got out of the vehicle, but I knew I could not be allow the brazen remarks to go unchecked. 

I decided to focused my attention on the person with the Marijuana Cigarette, I impulsively stretched out my hand and I held on to the young man with the Marijuana cigarette in his hand. I held him by the front collar of the shirt he was wearing, and with one hand slightly bend at the elbow; I managed to lift the young man off of his feet. I know without a doubt that I was not strong enough, to lift a small boy off his feet, with my left out-stretched hand, being right handed; much less a fully grown young man. The young men were dumbfounded at the supernatural  (Devin Strength - Devin intervention) display of strength, and so was I. 

The fellow with the Marijuana cigarette, quickly pass the cigarette to the person on his left my right. I quickly release the hold I had on that young man, freeing up my left hand; after which, I turn my attention to the guy with the Marijuana cigarette; and with lightning fast speed and instinct; with my elbow turned up, I took my right hand, placing my thumb on the back of his hands between his knuckles and his wrist, with my four fingers on the palm of his hand; then I bring my hand back to the normal position, securing the young man in a painful wrist lock. I then take my left hand and I took the cigarette from his hand. 

After which, I slowly release the hold on the wristlock. I then proceeded to unfold the Marijuana Cigarette, I took my finger swept the content of the wrapping paper into the nearby drain. After which, I proceed to give the young men a little talk about respect. Not respect for me, or for the police but respect for the senior citizens, the contribution they have made to the development of the country and the community. I also point to my new friends (the four Seniors) while I spoke. 

When I got back to the station, the Sergeant was waiting for me, He said: "Palmer what happened in Greggs, people called me tell me I must come up Greggs now; because the police in trouble. I could not come because we did not have any transport;" he paused for a while looking at me with a nervous smile on his face, then he continued; I called the Mespo Police Station for the transport. then the people call back and say the problem resolve. Later I discovered Sgt. Francis had Greggs cornered. He had developed some very crucial relationship in that community that kept him up to date on activities as the happened in Greegs. "So Palmer what happened in Greggs?" he asked again bubbling over with curiosity. I said nothing really, just a little altercation with some youths; which I dealt with.

A few weeks later, on my return to work from weekend off; I noticed there were three or four guys in custody. I assumed my colleagues had an extremely busy weekend. On inquiring about what had happened and why the young men were in custody; On of my colleagues said to me: "Palmer  your "course B" (people who train together to become police officers), heard of what you did in Greggs, he tried to do the same thing, and the guys beat him up bad."

Apparently one of the police officer with whom I was trained; a residence of Greggs, heard of my encounter with the three fellers with the Marijuana cigarette, and how I dealt with the matter. As a result, he tried to make a name for himself in the community and in doing so; he try to arrest someone in Greggs for smoking Marijuana and the  guys took liberty and they beat that officer up, to the point where he had to go on sick leave. Special Service Unit (SSU) officer had to be called out, to take control of the incident and arrest the assailants.

All in all, the people of Greggs accepted me as a part of the community. I got invites to hang out with them, to house parties, weddings, Church; outings etc. I respected and spoke to everyone I met it mattered not if I had opportunity to arrest them before and they did the same to me. I felt like a part of the community and I hated leaving.

For Facebook response click the link

True Story - -Desmond Ma Cauley: A good & honest teen & friend

Desmond Mc Cauley, also known as "Chow Ming" grew up in Bottom Town which is formally known Rose Place. I never knew Desmond's parents, but I heard stories about his father, who had die when Desmond was still a young child. Fowl play was suspected but it was never proven. I am not sure how old Desmond was when his father die, if or how well he knew his father. However, Desmond never spoke of him and I never asked.

I am not sure at what stage Desmond's mother migrated to the United States of America, to seek out a better life for him. However, by this time Desmond was about fourteen years old; he was forced to grow up, basically on his own. Of course his mother sent the expected barrel and subsistence to his Grandmother, with whom he lives, but socially, Desmond took care for himself; he dealt with his own problems.

Although Desmond did not have the daily hands on support and consistent intervention of his parents, On hind sight, Chow Ming was one of the most discipline youth, I have ever met. Desmond was always in the mix, yet, I have never seen him smoked; not even when Rasta was in and smoking weed was the thing to do. When all of his peers were liberally using obscene (dirty words) languages; Desmond's choice of word was a hybrid: FECK, translated into the continuous tents: Fecking. It sounds like a dirty word and it is used in place of the F-note but it is not a dirty word.

When we all thought it was fun to steal Bonadie and Baisden Mangoes and other fruits, Desmond never did and did not participated. As a matter of fact, just a mere suggestion of going onto those properties, was always a good time for Desmond to excuse himself.

I was still struggling with my mother's death, as a result, I spent a lot of time with my father, It was my place of security. Daddy was always there, I asked him all sought of questions. at that time, I was only allowed to go within a block unsupervised. It did not matter because I had my father, I also had my brothers and sisters; but they did not, do not has the same value of a parent. It was from my father I learn strength, brutal honesty, fearlessness and the love of words.

My father respected everyone but he celebrated no one. He had many people around him, but he had about five people in his inner circle, the council of these guys he listened to but always made up his own mind. My father words was my constitution, I adhere to it with no wavering. And I also understood his silence.

Example: Once one of my father's sister enticed me to join Odd Fellows children lodge, she said "your father will be proud of you, because he was a leading member of the lodge". She also told me not to tell my father until I had joined. This was easy to do because, I wanted to make my father proud. However, when I broke the news to my father, without saying one word; immediately, I knew he did not want me in the lodge. That was the beginning of the end of my days as a junior Odd Fellows.

By this time, daddy was encouraging me to go around the bay-side, to look at the guys in the playground play soccer. For some strange reason, I had a difficult time fitting in. I was a very trusting and honest child, all I wanted was: to be a part; but most of the older kids in the neighborhood, subtly slammed the door of friendship in my face. Most of them spent their time trying to device ways of injuring me, without being held responsible for their actions.

Once, I stood with my peers, on the outside the playground watching the older boys play soccer. While standing there, I felt a blow to my head, after which there was an eruption of laughter, followed by the sound of heavy metal colliding with the pave street. I turn around ready to return the favor to the person; to see the metal portion of an old shovel on the ground beside me, and my friend Raymond standing behind me looking lost. Raymond had a mental handicap.

Honestly, the end result of this incident like all of the incident in my life, was an act of divine intervention. The reason for me concluding so was as followed:

I did not feel the blow to my head only a weight, 

I was not rendered unconscious from the incident 

I did not suffer any adverse effect from this very serious and life threatening incident.

Raymond was my friend and I knew he would never do that vicious or violent act on his own accord; however, everyone had a good laugh, as they, relived the event they had Just witness. They walked behind me mockingly, pretending to be holding the handle-less shovel with both hands, the raise their hand over their heads and swung their hands forward in the same manner Raymond supposedly did. They did a fast moving almost trembling movement of their open hand, palm face down from side to side, to demonstrate the shimmering or vibrating movement of the shovel after it had bounced off of my head.

I don't know how that blow did not knock him out (render me unconscious) they jokingly asked as they all laugh uncontrollable. However, I was not rendered unconscious. They did not care that the incident could have given me a serious concussion, broke my neck or leaved my with some other or some permanent serious injuries. For them it was fun and they all laughed up a storm.

By this time, Chow Ming had developed a bad tasted for the way I was being treated. When I go around the bay, the older young men always enticed me to play football with them. While I was playing, they only pass the ball to me when it was convenient and in such a manner that made it easy for their friend to viciously cut me down injuring me. Each time I was bad play and was injured, Ming will often become upset almost to throw blows, he will pick up the ball and attend to me until I was able to walk off the field, to the displeasure of the other players.

Each time this happened, Ming will put his hand over my shoulder, in the same way a big brother will, in order to get me to stop crying; letting me know that everything will be OK. After which he will walked me half way up the block to my home and say don’t worry with them go home; taking the ball with him; refusing to give up the ball and no one dare try to take the ball from Desmond regardless whose ball it was.

This happened on a regular basis; as a result, and in order to try and protect me from the other guys, who were always giving their best efforts to injure me, Desmond ensured that I played on his team. By doing so, he took on an added responsibility, now he had two responsibilities. The first was to play his game and the second was to look out for me, ensuring that I was not injured.

He always ensure that I was a part of the game by passing the ball to me, then ensuring I passed the ball back to him, before anyone with bad intentions, got the opportunity to bad play me. I learn to listen to Desmond’s instructions while on the field and when I did; I was safe. I listen for that friendly voice of cautions, shouting: "Pearson out!" That only meant one thing: I was about to be viciously tackled. Instinctively I will jump to avoid injuries, while maneuvering the ball with the bottom of my feet. I often avoid the tackle while remaining in possession of the ball; which was kind of cool and make the attacking person look silly.

It was a habit of all the guys to leave the playground and bring their game onto the streets in front of where we lived; where my father operated a shop, along with my father's shop there were two other business there, there was Mr. Roberts Shop and Cornelius Cadogan AKA Douckles also ran his tailor shop in the said area also; there were the Douglas’ house, the John’s house, the Jack’s Place, which was enclosed by a wooden eight feet fence; Miss Menellva’s house which was enclosed by an eight feet wall; however Ms. Menellva’s house was on some three feet stilts at the back. The stilts elevated her house and cause the windows and most of the upper part of her house stand above the wall; and there was the Russell’s tenement.

After a while, my father began to call the police whenever, the guys came up from the playground to play on the pavement in front of our home. I can remember one day, I was sitting in the shop with father, as I watched and enjoyed the guys as they raise the ball. Then the police came and they all ran. I was kind of disappointed that he called the police. My father recognized that I was disappointed by his actions.

He used that opportunity as a teaching moment and in so doing, he start a conversation. He said to me, "you think I am a bad person for calling the police?" I did not respond in words; I just push up my shoulder with and raise my eye brows indicating I am not sure what to think. However, I did not like the idea of him calling the police on the guys. Then he asked me a few question, he said "when the kick the ball and they break our window, or Ms. Menelva’s window what do they do?" He used our home and Ms. Menellva’s home because these were the two houses that were most affected.

I thought about daddy's question for a while and then I answered, they normally take up their ball, then they all run. Then my father asked me another question: "have anyone of them ever come and take responsibility or say I am sorry?" I said no. It was then I began to see why my father did what he did. Then he said, Ms. Menelva is an old woman, she don’t work anywhere, but when they break her windows; she has to find money to buy the replacement glass and putty; then she have to pay someone to replace the glass. Do you think that is fair to her? I said no. immediately, I began to see everything in a new light, and I knew that my father's actions were right.

Later that day I went around the bayside and no one was on the playground, no one was playing soccer. I was told that everyone was in the newly vacant room in one of Russell’s bayside tenements. As a result, I found the room and I went into the room. All of the guys were gathered there chatting including Desmond. These were the older boys in the neighborhood and all attended secondary school. I on the other hand, was still in the lower primary stages of school.

As soon as I entered the room, one of the older boys began to pick on me. Your father is an informer he said; as he began to make his case against my father. Your father is the one who calls the police whenever we are playing soccer in the streets" he continued. I looked at him strangely because I was shocked at the statement he made and the anger he displayed. I was of no threat to this guy, but I will not allow anyone to criticized my father for doing what was right.

I said to the older angry young man whom I knew very well; I don’t care what you say, my father is right to do whatever he did. Speaking about him calling the police. This made the fellow even more angry; he cold not believed what he was hearing, then in anger he declared: "and the man supporting his father's actions."

I had no one to defend me, my father was no where around, and neither were any of my big brothers; however, I was defiant in my defense of my father and my father's actions. My father is right to do what he did, I fearlessly said again. Then in haste the older guy, got up from where he was sitting, and he sprang over to where I was. he was angry with hand raise and ready to throw blows.

However, before he could get to me, out of nowhere, Desmond with cat like reflexes got to his feet, and sprang in front of his very good friend; creating a protective barrier between me and his angry friend and in a fit of anger he declared, “You cannot hit the man; You want the man to go against his own father. I don't know why, but, standing bravely in defense of my father struck a cord with Desmond whose father had prematurely die some years ago.

He has a right to defend his father;" Desmond declared; squaring up his friend, Chow Ming's left foot was forward, his head hanging slightly down and turned away slightly to the right, while still keeping a visual on his opponent, his hands were tensely hanging to his side. Later when I get to know Ming much better, I got to understand what this posture meant. It meant I don't want to fight, but if you insisted on pursuing that course of action I will. Chow Ming not being a man of may fighting words paused for a while; as his friend began to remind him that he also had to run when the police came on my father's request. Desmond declared in as serious tone: "run or no run; friends of no friends; “you cannot hitting the Fecking man as long as I am here."

Then he said Pearson (the name I was known by as a child) lets go, we left the room and he put his hands over my shoulder and he walked me half way up Queen Street, as he did many times before; then he said to me go on home. I had the assurance that no matter where I was; as long as Desmond was there, I was safe. After that period; I became the little brother Desmond never had. When he was going to the evening shows (Matinee), he will asked if I wanted to go with him; after securing my father’s permission and money to pay my way, he will take me to the movies to watch chines - Kong-fu movies, Desmond also rushed for my ticket (in those days it was a literal fight only for the strong, the fit and the skill to get ticket for the movies).

Later, when I was able to take care of myself. I returned the favor by taking Noel Fox Also Known As: Buppas as my little brother, taking him to the movies and to the beach with me as Desmond often did for and with me.

To see the response on Facebook click the link

Allan Palmer - received a commendation for excellent investigation work.

I was seated patiently awaiting my name to be called, as I look at the pride on the faces of the recipient who preceded me. The pride of being acknowledged for something they would have done; as they collected their award to the applause of the appreciative audience who attended the function. This was the end of year gifts and awards ceremony, which is an annual feature of the Bermuda Police Service.

After waiting for what seems to be a long while, my name was called, and the presenter read what was written on the pack. The next award goes to Allan Palmer; for excellent investigation work that led to the apprehension of a dangerous criminal. I proudly walk up to the stage, where the prices were being handed out to the civilian and enlisted staff, of the Bermuda Police Service for various accomplishments.

On that day I received two awards, the other was for perfect attendance; this was the Bermuda Police Service acknowledging; for working an entire year without missing a day of work. I got a perfect attendance award for two consecutive years, but miss getting one for the third year; because I missed one day of work; that was the day, I took off from work, to moan the passing of my beloved big brother Albert Palmer.

The events that led to the investigation award happened a week or two after my confrontation with Lady Vereker, the wife of Bermuda Governor John Vereker. It was my first day on the streets of Bermuda in active police service. I was assigned to "A" watch, which was working the grave yard shift. "B" watch was the team on duty that was to be relief. Sergeant (Sgt.) Gregory Grimes was the Sgt. In charged of B watch.

I got to the Hamilton Police Station at 42 Parliament Street, in the City of Hamilton, early to get a feel of the place. I did not want to feel like a wondered, getting there just in time and having to be blindly, and awkwardly asking questions in a rush to find out information or to avoid being late. I wanted to have a head start.

I was told where the briefing room was and I went there to await the None Commission Officer (NCO) who would be tasked with my supervision and the other members of the watch or team with whom I would be working. There were some members of B watch in the briefing room. They were on the computers, updating the incidents they attend during the course of their shift. There were also a few members of A watch present, like me, they also came to work early.

While we were all sitting there, some were engaged in conversation, while I quietly observing everyone trying to understand the personalities I will be working with. A call came in via the police radio, there was a robbery in progress, the name of the suspect, was given, the location of the robbery, the weapon that was used in the robbery as well as, the property that was stolen. Later I discovered that the alleged robber was one of Bermuda's most wanted.

After the transmission was completed the members of A watch, who were all equipped with police radio; immediately dashed out of the briefing room, scampered down the wooden stairs of the old renovated relic that housed the Hamilton Police Station which was located on 42 Parliament Street, in the City of Hamilton and off they went with flashing lights and blasting sirens. The few of us who were new went to the window to look at the police vehicles in urgent response.

We were just about to settle into a conversation, to occupy the time while we wait until we were paraded, assigned and dispatched on duty. Then Sgt. Grimes came into the briefing room and said, this is a serious incident and the suspect is dangerous, he is wanted for a series of crimes, we need you all to go and assist with the search, apprehension and arrest of the suspect.

He instructed us to go down stairs, drab a radio and join the waiting single man units outside. We all ran down stairs, I personally was uncertain about this. I was in a strange place, I did not know anyone, I only knew but a two roads on the island; it was night, the transmissions on the radio seems like a completely new language to me; I had to get use to the Bermudian accent, and I only knew a few of the 10 series code the police used to communicate with, and so much more.

Unfortunately, there were not enough radios, so I join the party without a radio. I went into a car and I saw a beautiful young lady seated in the driver’s seat; she had two years’ active police service including training. However, she was already a certified emergency response driver. This young lady will remain nameless.

When we got to the scene there were lots of marked police vehicles on the scene and even more police officers. Police units responded to the scene where the suspect was last seen: from St. Georges as well as the Somerset Police Stations. Everyone had their searchlights out and we were all searching the area. We all searched until the order was given to abandon the search. The combined efforts of all the police officers did not revealed the suspect or any hint that he was ever there.

However, there was a red T-shirt which was abandon in the area of the scene. The T-shirt was written off as garbage. By this time, everyone had returned to their cars, some of the cars left the scene. My partner had already returned to the car she drove; and she was anxiously awaited me to join her so we can get going. Her shift had ended and she wanted to return to the station, hand over the car key and her radio and go to her home. I was still outside in the general area of the scene; in the vicinity of where the suspect was last seen.

All of the artificial lights were turned off, the moon light lit up the area perfectly; as a result, the scene took on a new look under the moonlight. I knew we had over looked the obvious, but what was it. I stood there looking around in an unfamiliar place, asking myself one question over and over again. I asked a question my big brother Albert "the skipper" Palmer always asked himself, when he was trying to solve some problem. What am I missing! What am I missing! By this time my partner impatient was evident as she pressed the horn, to alert me it is time to go; after all her shift had ended some time ago.

The moonlight, the quiet and the lack of people traffic revealed a new dynamic I did not see before. And then a series of events, that I never discussed with anyone took place, after which, I stood absolutely still, not making a sound, observing a particular area; it was then I saw a man concealed in the bushy hedge; the man whose name I will not call in this forum. I along with other officers had searched that hedge before, but no one saw him. I had no radio so I could not transmit my discovery to the other units; so I did the next best thing; I shouted, "I find him come back come back." The other officers, who were still on the scene, sitting in their cars, herd me and they came running.

The suspect was believed to still have the weapon with which he carried out the robbery. I did not know this criminal and what he was capable of, what was his temperament; I knew nothing about this suspect. As a result, I stood in a manner to ensure he did not escape and then I shout instructions for the Prisoner to come from hiding place. While he was making his way out on all fours, my partner whose car was closest to me, was ahead of the other running officers, even before the man was out of the hedge, she rushed towards the suspect held onto him and then declared: “I made the arrests.” after which the suspect was put in hand cuff.

She was a rookie and was all excited about making the arrest. This taking credit for arresting someone in such situations was new to me. In St. Vincent I could not remember making an arrest took on so much value, I personally did not care who arrested a person as long as the person was arrested. I had arrested many people, who were a suspect in an offense, one of my colleagues were investigating and thought nothing of it. And others had done the same for me. It was just the way we worked.

However, what was shocking; when we return to the station; the young constable related the events to Sgt. Grimes, as if I was nowhere around. According to her story, she was the one who discovered and arrested the suspect. When I heard her story, all I did was smile. Later Sgt. Grimes called me into his office and asked if I was there when the suspect was arrested?

I said to the distinguished sergeant; well, let us put it this way; everyone on the scene including the arresting officer; were already in their cars when the suspect was discovered. Some of the units had already left the scene. I was the only person still looking; I am the one who discovered the suspect in the hedges; because I had no radio, I shouted and alerted the other units that was still on the scene of my discovery; I was the one who instructed the suspect to come out from his hiding place; and while the suspect was almost out of the hedge; the lady police rushed over to him, lay hands on the suspect and declared: "I made the arrest." Then Sgt. Grimes call the young constable over and told her to go and update the incident to reflect what actually happened.

Even after I had forgotten about the incident, I often wondered, why for almost five years my path and the paths of this young lady police officer has crossed on the job and in the community; yet she had never said hello or anything else to me for that fact. All the other police in the Bermuda Police Service, was very cordial and friendly with me; however, this young lady never spoke to me, unless her communication with me; was unavoidable police duties.

It was for this piece of work for which I was receiving a commendation. After I received my award, I was showered with appreciation by the attending audience.