How Allan overcame my first major hurdle in Bermuda.

After reviewing my resume and interviewing me, The Bermuda Police Service offered me an opportunity to be police officer in Bermuda. If I were to accept the post, I was required to resign my position, as a police officer and stop being a member of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force; an institution I had faithfully dedicated almos...t ten years of my life to, in service; move to the extremely small island of Bermuda; a place where I had no family member, I had no friends; As a matter of fact, I did not know anyone who lived or who had even visited the 22 square miles island.

This was stepping out into a new world, not knowing what to expect. However; I was ready for a new adventure, so I packed my bags, say good bye to my family; my friends, everything I knew and have grown to love, and I moved to Bermuda.

Once I made up my mind there was no turning back. I resigned my post with the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadine Police Force; knowing I was, one of the Prime Minister of S.V.G: Ralph Gonsalves fiercest critics, there was absolutely, no turning back.

The Prime Minister was extremely happy to get the rid of me and would have done anything, to ensure, if my Bermuda adventure did not worked out, and I return to the island, it would have been the dirty pleasure of Ralph Gonsalves to ensure that I returned to and remained in St. Vincent and the Grenadines unemployed. At least unemployment would have shut me up. At least that was what he thought.

However, I had no fear, for I was always able to legally, make money in St. Vincent and the Grenadine. As a preteen and as a teenager, I participated in a range of activities to make spending money. From pushing cart, which involved, taking the traffickers produce from the street outside the harbor to the loading dock on the wharf, where the produce were shipped to Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and other islands. We also took the groceries and other shopping of shoppers from the supermarket, etc. to the bus stop at the Market square. Another means of making money came when my friends and I, went to Gibson Corner after school or on Sundays, to picked Hog-plums and Jaw-plums, or to Molly Gutter or to Sweet Side to pick mangoes which we offered for sale, as we walked home on our long journey. I also dived whenever a tourist boat was in the bay; and I did not have to go to school.

I was also a Boat Boy. This responsibility, saw me getting up each morning before 5:00 AM, to prepare the fishing boat: for my friends to go fishing. My responsibilities included, putting a 45 Yamaha outboard engine unto the St. Lucian crafted canoe, ensuring said engine is properly secured, load and securing 6 or 8 fifty gallon Jerrycans of gasoline, into the boat in such manner that they became ballast, ensuring the boat run at its optimum and smoothly even with the weight, and even in rough water.

I also went to the fishermen's place of meal, collect and pack their meals, so they had something to eat while they were hard at work in the middle of the ocean. I also make sure their hook box was replenished and well stocked with all that was needed for the day’s fishing trip. After which, I see them off, prepare for and went to school. At this stage of my life I was a student at the Intimidate High School, AKA Timmy School which got out at 1:00 PM. Upon the return of the fishermen from work, it was my responsibility to ensure everything was ready for the next day's fishing trip which include replenishing and mixing the gas etc.

In short, I was responsible for ensuring Captain Eddy AKA Fry-rice, Center-man: Dougie "Bumps" Baptiste, and Bow-man Vincent Prop Williams job was easy. All they had to worry about was to find and catch the fish, which they did very well. On their return, I was responsible for putting away the equipment, taking their catch to the market and selling it at the very best wholesale price to the vendors, or if it suited me, I haired a fish vendors to chop the fish (sell the fish retail) for me.

The more money I made, for the day's catch, the bigger my reward for my job. In the Daulphin (Mahi Mami) season, the money I earned from being a boat boy was extremely good; however, in the Hine season, it was rough. In the Daulphin season, when the guys had an extremely good day, they can make up to three or four thousand plus dollars each in one catch, that means I could make up to $200.00 - $300.00 for my share and after selling the dolphin or King (King Tuna) fish, I get to take home, my days take, could put me over four $400.00 (Four hundred dollars). Not bad for a teenager.

When it was good it was very good, however, when it was bad, especially in the Hine season, where the guys fished bottom-line, it was really, really bad. For days or at times even weeks, I worked without pay, or my take was very small; because the catch poundage were small. there were more heads per catch, but smaller fishes resulted in less weight, means less money for the catch.

This job came with one set back. The owner of the boat was rumored to be a homosexual. I was offered the job, by the crew, because of my honesty, they knew I will not steal from them; as the Boat-boy before me often did. I expressed my concerns about the rumored homosexual practice of the owner. Without admitting or denying their knowledge of the boat owner's homosexual habits, they all assured me that I will be ok; they will ensure of it.

When My father got word of my boat boy activities, he had word with Dougie, Eddy and Vincent. My father not taking any chances; went and had a one and one with the owner of the boat. I did not know what was discussed; however, I knew, I did not have to worry about any homosexual advancement from the boat owner and there was none.

The very day my father die; was the very day, I give up the boat boy job. I did not show up the following day, under the circumstances, no one expected me to and I just stop showing up altogether; no explanation given. I know, I was safe as long as Daddy was around; I was not willing; neither was I going to take any chances with my safety. My father was the only one I could depend on to keep me safe.

I have since left those childhood hustle behind, now I was in Bermuda Where policing was my concerned. I was ready for Bermuda, thanks to Station Sergeant Calbert Straker. In a short time, Mrs. Straker made me into, an excellent police officer as he said. I was confident, fearless, very intelligent and I knew how to police. However, I had one problem, in St. Vincent and the Grenadine Police Force, we used registers, (big books) to record everything, from, detailing personnel for duty, which was the duty rooster, to keeping track with reports that were made: the crime register, Petty Offence register accident register etc.

In Bermuda, every things were computerized. Everything was done electrically; the only writing one were expected to do were to take basic notes, with which an officer, used in reference, to update the computer system and statements when they were so required. This made life easy but first I have to learn how to effectively and efficiently use the system. We were given a crash course in using this system, however, the amount of hours, for the purpose was not enough. At this stage of my police career, policing came extremely easy for me; however, because of the computer system; I was at the mercies of the officers, I worked with.

Ralph Gonsalves had his connection in the Bermuda Police Service, There was Superintendent of Police Randolph "Randy" Liverpool, a Vincentian, who went to Bermuda back in the day. He was one of Gonsalves' personal friend. He had it all set up for my failure before I arrived in Bermuda. To cover his dirty intention, Liverpool, would, invite me to his home for Sunday lunch, which was prepared by his wife, who was one of the most genuinely beautiful people you will ever meet.

When it was time to hit the streets of Bermuda: Randy Liverpool plans went into full operation. I was assigned to Hamilton Police Station and Senior Superintendent of Police Liverpool, brought in a seniors constable Colin Paynter from St. Georges Police Station, to work on A watch at the Hamilton Police Station. Up to this point in Colin's twenty plus year’s career, he had sat and failed the Police Sergeant Promotion exam five or six times. Superintendent Liverpool, promise to ensure Colin get a past on his next Sergeant's exam, if he give me a hard time. I don't know where Edwedina Oldbouy fit into the scheme of things but she and Colin were allied.

Every day like clockwork, Colin Paynter found something to publicly embarrass me about. His objective was to beat me into insecurity. This was supposed to be easy. After all, I was in a strange country, with no support mechanism; his task would be like taking candy from a baby. At first, it was errors made in the computer system. For this he had Edwedina, with whom I regularly partnered. She often, knowingly, showed me how to enter the information into the computer incorrectly, after which, she told the error to Colin Paynter who took the liberty to publicly humiliate me.

When I caught on to what Edwedina was doing, I became very annoyed. One day, before we fall in for duty, I had a chat with Edwedina. I said to the senior female constable, "one of your responsibility is to help me understand how to use the computer system, but you have been intentionally misleading me, in order for Paynter to publicly humiliate me. I paused to look for a sign of sorrow from chubby beautiful lass, but she stood and look at me steel face. Then she reply, "I don't get your pay, so why should I do your work?" I said to the lass. "I don't need anyone to do my work, you guys were instructed, to help the new foreign police make entries into the computer. That's all I am expecting of you."

I then said to her, "I resigned my job and I left my country, I don't have anything to go back to. I have no choice but to learn this system, I am not only going to learn this program, I will master it, and you will have to come and asked me how to use it." As a result, I stop asking her how to do things, with Sgt. Grime's help, I became a master of the police system. Not even the IT guys could have misled me. It was not to long after the same female police officer and other officers who were using that program for years before I did, was coming to me, for my help on the system. Later when Edwedina was given the short term promotion to acted as Sergeant, she always detailed me to work with her. Because she knew, there was no situation I could not deal with and it was an opportunity for her to impress the bosses; what better way to do such. However By this time we had put the pass behind us and had established a good working relationship.

Now there was still the issue of Colin Paynter, within a few months, thanks to the help of Sergeant Gregory Grimes, I mastered the computer. I don't know what Mr. Grimes was told about me, but very soon, he realized I was a very hard and very knowledgeable worker; and I did not waste time in the office like most West Indian and some British officers did, trying to milk the system for overtime. As a result, anything he could have done to help me he did. I was at ease going to discuss matters with Mr. Gregory Grimes. Thanks to Sergeants: Mr. Grimes and Mr. Jermaine Tucker, I was the first and probably the only police officer to date, to take an impaired driving (drunk, or high driving) matter before the court without medical evidence and gain a conviction.

It was going into month number two and I still had Colin Paynter on my back, every day, he had something to chew me out for, now it was grammatical errors, I did not make. Here we have a police officer, who can harely read, but he was able to find basic errors in my writing. Errors I did not make.

Sgt. Grimes the supervisor of B watch, always relief us. By this time, and in an effort to shut, Senior Constable Paynter up, I began doing my updates in Microsoft word, where I paying close attention to my Grammar, ensure that each word was spelled correctly, and double checked the synonyms and interchanging synonyms as suggested by Microsoft word. Yet, Colin Paynter often came up with grammatical and spelling errors that I knew was not there. I could not dispute his findings, because it was there in black and white in the updates.

I knew something was wrong, Mr. Grimes who was a brilliant Sergeant, he asked me to work over time for him. After checking my updates, he say Palmer, I double checked your work and all is well. You can go; the next day Sgt. Grimes came into work earlier than normal, under the guise of "too catch up on some outstanding work" and he began to work. After I completed my updates, Mr. Grimes call me, he said, "Palmer have you finished your updates?" I said yes Sgt. Grimes". All this time Mr. Grimes was in my updates and found all to be perfect. Then he said to me, "Palmer, why don't you over your updates, just double check it, and if you are satisfy with your updates, print a copy of your updates, read it over and if you are still satisfied with it just hold on to it. It could come in handy.

I did not see the point in doing this, but Mr. Grimes had never led me wrong. Mr. Gregory Grimes was five years my senior; but he possessed a level of wisdom and experience of one that was twice his age. He was one of the few people who had nothing to prove to anyone. Grimes was never promoted beyond the rank of Sergeant of Police, because, he loved being a Sergeant and refused to be promoted even at the bidding of police management; however, Mr. Grimes had prepared almost everyone to successfully take the inspector exam. He practiced integrity both in his police and personal life; As a result, I did what Mr. Grimes suggested even though, I did not see the value in his suggestion.

While I waited to be officially dismissed, Senior Constable Colin Paynter entered the station, and went to my work, he printed out my updates, and he started to point out spelling and grammatical errors. Then I heard the voice of the wise Sergeant Grimes, echoed in my head. If you are satisfied with your updates print a copy keep it, it may coming handy.

I looked at Senior Constable Colin Painter, I smiled then I said, I don't know whose work you are looking at, but that's not one of my updates, I pushed my left hand into my pocket, I took out several sheet of paper bearing the updates I did, then I tell him, you or whoever unedited my updates should go back and re-edit them, I lay my printed copy of the updates on the desk where Paynter sat next to the Station Duty Office (SDO) work station. Paynter looked at me with his eyes wide opened like a kid who was caught by his parents with his hands in the cookie Jaw.

I then took my notes, I said to Paynter, I will see you guys tomorrow. Sgt. Na’imah Williams, my Sergeant, was in the small Sergeant's office, with Mr. Grimes, listening to the whole exchange. Mr. Grimes who occupied the Sergeant's chair, was still focused on the computer screen; then he made a sharp momentary swivel around in the chair he occupied, he looked at me, gave me an approving smile and a nod of the head then he immediately; span the chair back to face the computer before which he was working, then he went back to work, Sergeant Williams, who is probably the most beautiful female in the Bermuda Police Service, on the other hand, looked at me with a big satisfied smile on her face, she then nod her approval to me, indicating I can leave, then I left and went home.

The next day, when we paraded for duty; Senior Constable Paynter was not at the parade. It was then the watch was told; Senior Constable Paynter, was sent back to St. Georges Police Station

True Story - Police Constable Palmer meets the Giant

 

I was working at the Biabou Police Station, when, Station Sergeant (SS) Cuthbert Straker was transferred to the Biabou Police Station. The year was 2003; The authorities fed SS Straker with many misleading information about me. They were still trying to force me out of the organization.

They were hoping, SS Straker add to the mountains of mis...s deeds and miss Fortunes I had experience so far. But I overcame each challenge and each dangerous situation that was put in front of me. The authorities were hoping the SS and I butt heads and he created an unpleasant place for me, at the Biabou Police Station.

One day, After the stand-offish SS Straker, warmer up to me, he declared, in a heavy, slow, lamenting, voice, as he sounded out each word, for two seconds of more depending on the amount of syllables the word had, SS said: "Palmer; you are nothing, like what them say you are like." He stressed each word for emphasis. He paused for a few seconds, then in quick time, as if he was in a rush, he bloated out; "them say you hard to get along with." Then back to his slow speech, "you are one of the easiest man to work with. You are not lazy and yo know yo job. Palmer you are a good police, but if you follow my instructions you will be an excellent police." He said. I gather from the Station Sergeant’s statement that meant; he was going to teach me what I needed to know, to be an efficient and effective police officer, anywhere I work. The SS was right. Under SS Straker, supervision and tutelage, I became an excellent police and my Bermuda experience was a testament to that fact.

SS Straker quickly learned, I like to work alone, he also realized; when I worked alone; I got all of my and general assignments completed. Liquor license check, investigation, arrest of the wanted; those who had committed offence, arrest on warrant executions. I never had an outstanding case file and every Thursday at the Biabou Magestrate Court day, I had two, three or four case in Biabou Magistrate Court and up to that point, I had only one case dismissed.

Superintendent Cornelius Charles on the other hand, hated SS Straker; he often tried to embarrass the SS in the presence of the staff. He did so on each visit to the station. Why he put so much effort in belittle the knowledgeable supervisor, I did not know. Sensing I was doing a large volume of the work at the station, which was reflected by the records. The Superintendent, also tried to use me to belittle the SS. He often said things like: "the commission should send you home and let Palmer run the station, Palmer will do a better job than you." SOP Charles rhetoric had an objective, and his objectives had nothing good about it.

The SOP realized, all aspects of my policing had developed and he suspected; SS Straker was responsible for my quick and sustained development. SS Straker did not only teach me, he also gave me the opportunity and the space to grow. He continued to give me more and more responsibility; and I loved it. When the Station Sergeant was dissatisfied with something I did. He broke out his favorite line, Palm-mer," he will say in a slow lamenting tone, “You are one good police, but If you listen to me, you will become an excellent police; but you didn't listen.

This was often an opportunity for further teaching and clarification on some issue of law, police policies and or procedures; a weakness in a case file, etc. I was developing and I was developing fast and I was getting things done. I never took the Superintendent's words seriously, and each time he tried to use me to belittle SS Cuthbert Straker; I brought it to SS Straker's attention, in the presence of the other staff member. I let them know what was SOP Charles objective; which was trying to stir up disunity, between the helpful SS Straker and I. I let everyone including the Station Seargeant know, how much I appriciate his teaching and confidence in me.

Station Sergeant Straker; ran a clerically tight ship, all his records were always in order. However; there was an outstanding warrant, for none payment of fine. Each time SOP Charles came to visit the station, he spoke of the outstanding warrant. He also accused the staff of being afraid of the man, for whom the warrant was issued; hence the reason, the warrant was not yet executed. I did not know this man, as a matter of fact, I was from Bottom Town, I am not afraid of anyone, was my attitude. I hated it when he accused the staff me of being afraid, of the wanted man. I could not speak for the other members of the staff, but my solo arrest record would say I am no coward.

When I was assigned to the Biabou Police Station, only a week into my transfer to Biabou Police Station, I made my first arrest in Biabou completing and submitting my case file within a week. I was out on country patrol and Investigation, in Simon AKA New Prospect, there was a fellow, I wanted, for a case I was investigating. A Cutlass (machete) bearing man was pointed out to me, as the man I was inquiring about. The suspect was wanted for praedial larceny/threft (the theft of agriculture product) one of the matters I was Investigating. This man had to be arrested. It was my case file and therefore it was my responsibility.

This was so because; I could not depend on the other constables at the station for help, the senior constable was always drunk, the tow of the other three younger, and junior constables, who was from the area, want to prove, they knew more than I did. And therefore, they refused to help and or corporate with me in any way; While, the other became a police officer, in transit, to his papers for his green card being approved. They all were always in trouble for not submitting their casefiles in the requiered times.

When I asked the constables about the suspect, they said they did not know him. Even though, they knew the fellow, they all knew how he looked, they knew where his parents lived, where he slept, where he frequent, etc. yet they refused to assist me, with the needed information; information the y had.

This man had to be arrested, and it was my responsibili to effect the arrest. As a result, I approached, disarmed and I arrest the suspect. I was on foot patrol therefore; I walked with my prisoner, from Simon/New Prospect big corner, to Bridgetown, where the Biabou Police Station was located at that time. I was not afraid of anyone, anything and or any situation, except.....

SS Straker, understood how I worked best, he knew I loved to worked alone; as a result, when there was real pressing work to be done, it was normal, for him to assigned me on Investigation and to do whatever was needed to be accomplished. On this day he assigned me on Investigation and he said to me, "Palmer; we have to arrest that man with the warrant to shut the office mouth. That is the only thing he can speak about when he visit the station". SS Straker said if we get that man, all he can do when he comes to visit the Station, is to sign the records and go on his way.

The SS was new to the district and he did not know anything about the man to whom the outstanding warrant issued for and neither did I. Therefore, I took out a few warrants included the outstanding warrant. The man was living, on the south eastern corner of the Lowman Windward Bridge, opposite the old Banana boxing plant. On several occasions Sgt. Francis received information that the wanted man was on the Lowman Windward Bridge with his friends. Each time we arrived there; he was no where to be seen.

However, today; I was going to take this a little further. Because the houses/building in St. Vincent and the Grenadine are not number, it is difficult to know who live where. I drove on to the Lowmans Windward Bridge, there was a group of young men hanging out on the bridge chatting, which is very common.

I asked the guys on the bridge where the wanted man lived. I was shocked when without hesitation; they volunteered the information to me. Up until the time, the guys give me the information, I did not know where the subject lived. At first, I was apprehensive about the information. If they were right why would they volunteer the information to the police so freely and so easily; as far as I understood the guys were all friends.

The guys on the block were all excited, as I left them and I drove over to the house. I got out of the marked police vehicle, walked up to the two story house and I knocked on the wooden panel door that secured the northern side of the house. A young man came to the door of the house, I asked him if he was the name that appeared on the warrant, he replied yes.

With the young man's answer, immidiately; a lot of thing fell into place. Now I understood why the young men on the bridge so quickly volunteered the information, I also understood, why the three police officer, who lived in the area, never attempted to arrest this young man. Now it was totally clear to me; what the Superintendent of Police Cornelius Charles meant; when he say: "you all are afraid of the man; that is why he has not been arrested."

The guys on the bridge knew there was an outstanding warrant for their friend, but no police have ever attempted to arrest him. They also thought the confrontation between both of us, would have been an interesting and funny one to witness, and they wanted to witness it.

When the young man who stood before me said, I am him, I took one look at the young man and I said to myself; what did I get myself into. I was a skinny, 175 pounds police officer; 180 pounds when I was wet, 5 feet 11 inches tall law enforcement officer. The man that stood before looked about 6 feet 5-6 inches tall, and about 350 pound of solid mass. There were only three other people that could be compared with this young man and they were my cousins Coldrick Young, his little brother Elroy Young and Arthur Puss and I was always on these guys good side.

My feet were already in the shit, and the stink was burning my nose. There was nothing else I could done but to deal with the situation I was now in. I could hear the muffled laughter of the guys on the bridge, as they looked on in amusement as the confrontation unfolds, right before them. It must have been funny, looking at me, as I looked up to the giant to speak to him. I knew, I could not back down, if I did, I would not be able to face myself or any of the people who witness the confirmation. I need to be able to serve the community without such a blotch of cowardice hanging over my head.

In analyzing the man, his height, his size, his possible strength, I know I could not match strength with this man, but I was faster than he could ever be. If this matter broke out into a fight; it will serve me good not to make these giant lay hold on me. In speaking to this man, it was extremely important that I was careful not let my voice or my words betray the anticipation I felt, "Hay na big man”, I addressed the man; not because he was big but because I always address every male suspect as big man.

Everyone; like to know and be called the “Big Man” “I have a warrant for none payment of fine for you, this warrant was outstanding, you have one of two choices. You can pay the outstanding monies you have for the court or I will have to arrest you!” The Guy looked quite shocked at my lack of fear and the irreverence showed for his size, but the level of respect I also give to him as a fellow citizen.

The young man was bear back and standing on the inside of the house with the door partly ajar. The young man was not a full muscular specimen, but he was not a fat fellow either. He was a farmer by profession and therefore, the young farmer had a firm body, one of a person who worked hard and long hours, chopping, digging, lifting, etc. The giant looked at me, and I looked at him. It seems like it is going to be a stan

Then he replied, to my ultimatum, I guess you will have to arrest me. I said to myself; here we go again? Although they could not hear the conversation, I was having with the wanted giant; I could still hear the muffled laughter coming from the group on the bridge. Then the young man spoke again, breaking the short moment of awkward silence we had, he said just give me a moment to put on a shirt and a shoe. I told the man it was not a problem.

He left the door slightly ajar, The young Giant then disappeared from the place where he stood, while we chat. Then he soon reappeared fully clad. He locked the door to the house, held up his two hands to me, with his inner wrist to inner wrist so I can cuffed him. I said to the young man, I don't think there is need for that. I said go around and sit in the front seat of the vehicle; which he did.

All it took for him to avoid the police was for him, to shut the door, leaving me outside, and go and watch TV. However; he corporated with me every step of the process, he was not in the least display any rudness or disrespect of me, my office or my intent and declaration to arrested him. I thought it was only fitting that I saved him any further humiliation.

I drove a little faster than I would normally drive got the giant to the station where he was processed. Needless to say Station Sergeant Straker was happy and surprised. SS Straker said "but Palmer Me na know that man was so big, how you manage to arrest he by yourself?" See More

True Story - Constable Palmer taken to Magistrate Court as a Defendant

I was still working with Justice Don Mitchell, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Judge. The newly promoted Cornelius Charles was inspector in charged of the Traffic Branch, Ralph E. Gonsalves had arranged for the Judge to be transferred to Antigua, because he had the foolish idea, my confident, had something to do with my ...assignment, with the High Court judge.

Ralph Gonsalves had forgotten, when I was assigned at Central Police Station, and was in the station officer, in the presence of Corporal Lenford Brewster who he promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police, and Sergeant Michael Charles who Ralph Gonsalves also rewarded for his dishonesty, when Charles betrayed his sworn duties and female police officer Michele Andrews who was under his supervision, who reportedly was raped by PM Gonsalves. As a result, of Micheal's betrayal, of his oat and his victim colleague, on behalf of PM Gonsalves, Gonsalves used his political power and appoint Michael Charles commissioner of police, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Situation was, Ralph Gonsalve was at the Central Police Station, visiting some clients who were friends of the Brawsha brothers and the Cornel (Noted drugs Barons). Gonsalves and I got into a verbal tussle over the law; and whether the immigrations officers had the lawful authority to detain his clients. Because he was losing the argument, He (Ralph Gonsalves) threw his hands into the air in defeat and declared, "Young constable, I have neither the time not the inclination to hold a legal argument with you". After which, he left the station, he never returned. Needless to say Ralph's clients were deported the following day.

How soon had Ralph Gonsalves forgotten when I was a teenager, while I worked, at the carpentry shop, at the Public Works Department, at Arnos Vale; and whilst attending a Commercial Technical and Allied Workers Union: Shop Steward workshop, I asked him in his capacity of lecturer, some basic questions; base on his lecture that he could not answer. As a result, Gonsalves requested that the union President Alice Mandeville, asked me not to asked him any more difficult questions; because I am making him look bad. Upon my refusal of Alice's request, Ralph Gonsalves cowardly refused to honor his commitment to the Union, to present the evening lecture.

Yet Prime Minister Gonsalves was attributing my confidence, to my assignment to a Judge. Now inspector Cornelius Charles, Cpl. Kenneth “Scratchy” John and a group of dishonest officer in the Traffic Department was looking for dirt on me. It was their plans and intent to ruin my character, and had me fired. However, in order for them to succeed, they must first turned me into a greedy dishonest man. I did not drink, I did not smoke, I did not party like each of them did. and I had a single operator driving school business, where I made money to subsidized my small police salary.

As a result, of my honesty, my lack of bad acceptable habits and my willingness to work for what I wanted, none of their plots worked on me. One day, while I was on duty using the judges' car, I parked the car in the no waiting zone, in front of the Kingstown Methodist Church; while I did some business, I parked the car in such a way that I did not block the church entrance. Although the Judge's cars are privately owned, such vehicles are treated like police vehicles; for the simple fact, they are often driven by an on duty, uniformed police officers, on official police assigned, and government approved duties. Therefore, the police officers' are given the same liberty, as if he or she is driving a police car. For the simple fact it is a police on official police duties.

By this time in Judge Mitchell's assignment the Judge was in his last few weeks on the island, before he moved to Antigua to continue his assignment, with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. However, when I return to the parked vehicle, I met, Cpl. Kenneth "Scratchy" John at the car, he was my senior in rank; as a result, he give me a notice of intended prosecution, which I took. I did not complained to anyone and I did not bring it to the Judge attention.

Some time later, there was a discussion in the Traffic Department office, as it related to serving me with the Summons for court. Most of the officers at the Traffic Branch, weather they liked me or not, thought it was a betrayal, of the officers confidence, to take one of their own, to court for holding different political views, no one wanted to serve the summons. However, junior police officer Nero presumptuously and proudly volunteered to served me the summons. While, I was returning from, the Judge residence, I saw Nero riding one of the little Chinese Motorcycle, he flagged me down, I stopped because we always had a good interaction.

Nero came over to me, he boastfully handed me the summons, and informed me, I have to appeared at Magistrate Court at Calliaquia, on the given date. I accepted the Summons, said ok no problem. After the encounter I drove off and went along my business. Later, I discovered Cpl. John laid a charge against me of Causing a Public Nuisance. A quasi-criminal matter.

When Nero, returned to the Traffic Department after delivering the order to attend Court Nero, Inspector Charles, Cpl. John and a few others had a good laugh, as Nero fabricated the story about our encounter. However a few months later, that same Police Constable Nero was apprehended in Barbados with a shipment of drugs, causing him to be thrown into Barbados prison.

Needless to say, against the police authorities instructing me not to. I showed up to court as a defendant, dressed in the Uniform of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadine Police Force. Confusing the judge who adjourned the case for a later date. Although Calvin Gold-teeth Glasgow and I were not close friends, I overheard him arguing in the office. "How you all could do the one of our own like that. You all have, and are always withdrawing more serious case than the case you brought against Palmer, letting known violent criminals off the hook," and he called the names of criminal examples; people whose names I will not repeat. Then he said, "If that case come up for me to prosecute, I will withdraw the case and I don't care who vex."

While the case was still before the court, Sgt. Williams from the criminal records office, came to me and informed me; he had a discussion with inspector Charles as it related to my prosecution, and Charles told him, If I apologise to him he will withdraw the case. I said to Williams “what should I apologise for? I did not do anything wrong, why should I apologise?” Then I said to him, “I want you to tell Inspector Charles this for me. I continued “I rather go to jail, than to issue a needless apology to him’ He will never see me apologising to him for nothing.”

Some time later, I was at the E.T Joshua Airport after taking Justice Mitchell to catch a flight out of SVG. I saw, the Commissioner of police William Harry at the airport; he was in the VIP Lounge. I doubted the commissioner who was a professed Christian, knew about my prosecution; I said to myself, his principles and Christian honor will never allow this to happen.

Commissioner William Harry, may have been many things, but he was not a dishonest man. I was determined to bring this injustice to his attention. When Commissioner Happy exited the lounge to leave, I approached the Commissioner, I politely said after saluting him in full military fashion; Commissioner Harry, Can I show you something, he said to me, Palmer what do you want to show me. I took out the Summons and showed it to the honorable Commissioner of Police my boss.

He turned his head towards the document in my hands, looks it with squinting eyes, and before I could ask him if he knew about it. Commissioner William Harry immidiately said, I didn't have my glasses, but It looked like the summons that was issued to you by Cpl. John. The commissioner could not have read all that information with one glimpse. His statement introduced me to a knew reality. It was then I realized, the professed christian Commissioner William Harry, not only knew about the whole plan to prosecute me, but give them the right of way to do so, which is required. I then said, to William Harry. Don't worry, I am going to beat this charge in court and when I beat it, I would have overcome the worst thing you all could do to me. When I win this case, you all will be unable to control me. The commissioner got into the waiting car and I went back to doing what I was doing.

However, later the matter was discharged by the magistrate.

True Story: Who Give Inspector Charles a Heart Attack

It was only a few months into Ralph Gonsalves first term as Prime Minister, and he was sharing away promotion like crazy. He was fulfilling promises he made to people in order to get votes; one such person was Cornelius Charles. Cornelius Charles was a police officer and had the force number 313. Charles was a Sergeant of Police for many years before I became a police officer. Now, I had served eight years as a police officer and Charles was still a Sergeant of Police. Ralph Gonsalves, promoted Cornelius Charles, to inspector he was skipped Charles over the rank of Station Sergeant to inspector, and he put him in charge of the Traffic Department.

All this time, I was assigned to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, with specifically assigned duties to Justice Don Mitchell, High Court Judge. Inspector Cherry Lip Charles were transferred to the Traffic Branch with one of two objective, the first was to get me in trouble and the other was to pressure me into fear of him and submission to Ralph Gonsalves. This was going to be a very tall order, even for the man who was known to vie for the title of the greatest liar in the St. Vincent and the Granadines Police Force.

Charles was an old time police officer, he was nicknames Cherry Lip because of the disfiguration to his face, which included his eyes and lips. The Story was told, while Charles was a young police officer working at the traffic Branch riding the police big powerful motorcycles. Someone waited until he was coming at high speed, tied a chain across the road, which caught him and resulted in the disfigurement of his face.

This was so for the following reasons, many officer of senior rank, had tried this before and failed. Even the baddest man in the St. Vincent had the Grenadines Police Force: Superintendent Osborne Quow had tried and failed. I did not and do not care who they were, what position of authority they held, or what level on the social ladder they were on; I was not going to create a god out of any man; by being afraid of them. And that was just the way it was.

The newly promoted inspector, first approached was to pretend to befriend me. One day, he called me into his office, and began to questioned me about Justice Mitchell's personal business. I was shocked, to think this man thought so poorly of me; a sworn law enforcement officer, my integrity as a Palmer, and the reputation I had developed as an honest man within police circles. Just the thought that the inspector expected me to breach the confidence the police authorities who assigned to that responsibility; the thought the inspector concluded that I will just breach the trust, the Judge put in me, to violate such confidence at his request; upsetted me.

I was appalled at the inspector's assertion, I said to the inspector, "my assignment with Justice Mitchell is not to investigate the judge. I was sent to work with the Judge because, the authority had confidence in my integrity, not to betray the judge's trust and confidence with anyone." Then I said to him; “I cannot discuss the Judge's personal business with you. So don't ask me to.” Inspector Charles did not take my reply too well; he said to me in reply; "You think you are a big boy because you are working with the Judge."

Some weeks later, I was called into the inspector's office and from that day forward, he wanted to see me every day. He wanted to see me in his office every day and everyday the inspector curst me out about Ralph Gonsalves. Inspector Charles accused me of wanting to bring down Mr. Gonsalves' government, "But not as long as I am a live, not over my dead body" he said. Each day Mr. Charles curst me out and he even threatened to throw me into the cell in the old Colonrie Police Station.

Once Mr. Charles took out a large photograph of Ralph Gonsalves and he said to me, as he pointed at the photo, "you see this man ya, I love him to death." Then he kissed the photo of Ralph Gonsalves. This is some strange romantic gay shit; it was too far about my pay grade and I had nothing to do with that. I did not know what I was to take away from that display of intimate affection demonstrated to me and displayed to a photograph of Ralph Gonsalves, except to conclude, maybe; the newly promoted inspector was Ralph Gonsalves gay lover.

Every day, I went into Inspector Charles' office, I looked at him with a smile on my face, as he worked himself into a frenzy, defending Ralph Gonsalves and his government against me. I have heard the worst of cussing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines from members of the Bottom Town community; the community in which I was born, grew up and was still living.

Charles words meant nothing to me. Inspector Charles hated to see me with a smile on my face, while he was all serious, issuing threats to me, trying his hardest to make me afraid of him. The inspector's expressed vocal rage, could be heard in the general office even beyond the closed doors of his office. He often shout at me "Constable Palmer, this is not a joke, this is no a laughing matter” he often said. "Serant Browne, is this a laughing matter," as Sergeant Richard Browne who was always a part of the meeting, sheepishly reply as if he had water in his mouth when he speak, "no sir, this is no joking matter."

All this time, Inspector Cornelius Charles had arranged for me, an enlisted police officer, to be taken to open court as a defendant, on some bogus, trumped up charges, that was approved by then Commissioner of Police: William Harry, who was a practicing Christian. These charges was brought against me by Corporal Kenneth "Scratchy" John.

As the inspector shout, issue threats, and worked himself into a frenzy like a mad man from hell; All I did, was to look at him, with a big smile on my face, and dear him, with my smile to leave his seat, come and lay hands on me. I said to myself, he can argue all he wanted to, however, the moment he build the courage, to get up from behind his desk, come into my space and lay hands on me for any reason, I was going to teach the inspector a lesson of his life; a lesson he would have never forget. Self-defense is always a good legal defense, in retaliation to violence, the perception or the threat of violence.

One Thursday Morning, I was sitting in the Transport Section office with my Supervisor, Sergeant Adam Billingy, when the news came, Inspector Cornelius Charles, was driving to work, upon reaching, the juc-y building, in Kingstown. He stopped his vehicle, called the ambulance and was rushed to the Kingstown General Hospital where he was treated for a mile heart attack.

Inspector Charles was later discharged, with a prescription, told to take it easy, and to make some changes in his lifestyle. He was also encouraged to eliminate any stressful situation in his life. The next day, Friday morning, Mr. Charles came into the office, he was at the entrance of the office relating the experience of his mild heart attack to those of the staff who was in the main Traffic Branch office.

I walked into the office; upon seeing me going into the little office that was the Transport Section's office, he said, "PC Palmer come here," I went to the inspector in compliance to his call. The inspector looked at me and in a very subdued voice he said, “yo see you, you are not killing me in this place, you are not giving me another heart attack. Gather your belonging, I am transferring you to Biabou. Tomorrow morning, report to Biabou Police Station.

It was on common, for officers to be transfer on weekend, however; this was a special situation, Inspector Charles was concerned for his medical health and personal well being. The next day, I reported to the Biabou Police Station, Sergeant Ashley Francis was in charged of the Biabou police Station; He suggested I go for a patrol and on my first day in the Biabou Police District I got into big basa basa.

Biabou police District I got into big basa basa.

True Story - Police Officer Kenneth Scratchy John: did he or didn't he?

While I was a police officer, on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadine; I owned and operated a small business. I offered to the public, driving lessons on my off day. I taught students how to drive. A lot of the student that came to me, came after their relationship with their previous tutors, did not worked out. These were merely difficult students. My simple way of communicating seems, to go down well with everyone.

I had one exceptional student, I still considers that student, the best driving student, I worked with during my time as a driving tutor. This was a lady I knew for a long time. She was a new registered nurse and had friends at and was a friend of the Traffic Branch. She often come by the department and chat with the guys.

Working with a nurse (whom I will call Nurse Cecile for the story) was simple. It was so easy to work with the nurse, that she was the only student, I will take the chance and take out for a driving lesson, when I was tired. This was so because; I did not need to be as vigilant with her. Driving came natural to the nurse and she drove so well.

One morning, I drove to Nurse Cecile's home, and I picked her up for a lesson. Nurse Cecile's deteriorated level of driving was cause for concern. I told her to pull over to the side of the road and stop the car; which she did. I stop being a driver's tutor, and I became a concerned friend. I said to the nurse, something is wrong, and I offered to discussed her problem with her. At first the nurse refused to confide in me, not because she didn't want to, but for two reasons, because what was worrying her was so shameful; she could not stomach the fact that she had became a victim of a trusted friend. What could be even more serious than, to be raped by a police officer, a man whose paid and sworn duty was to keep her safe.

I was shocked when Nurse Cecile told me, the night before; the then Corporal (Cpl.) Kenneth "Scratchy" John came to her home, she went outside, to chat with him, after standing at her gate for a while he suggested, they go for a ride while they chat instead of him blocking the narrow road with his car. This will prevent him from having to stop their conversation, in order to move his car for vehicles to pass, as he had to do a few times while they stood there chatteing.

Nurse Cecile felt safe with Cpl. 'Scratchy" John, because they were friends, and more importantly; he was a police officer. As a result, she consented to leave her home and go with her police friend, for a drive and a chat. What was interesting, was Cpl. John had never expressed a sexual interest in her. for him to do so, it would have been an act of betrayal, for the mere fact; the nurse friendship with the traffic branch, was started by one of Cpl. John's colleague and close working friends. A person who had a love interest in Nurse Cecile.

However; Cpl. Scratchy John drove to Arnos Vale playing field, while on his way there, he tried the old and over use trick of hand slipped off of this gear sitck and touch Nurse Cecile's leg. Not taking much of it. She said to him, "hear na, it's not that type of Party". On reaching the Arnos Vale Playing Field, Scratchy parked the car and being to touch her, legs, brest and other parts of her body, she tried to stop the Corporal, but she being a woman was no match for his strength.

As a result, police officer, Cpl. Kenneth "Scratchy" John, then sexually forced himself upon Nurse Cecile, and without her permission, he used his fingers and his penis to penitrated the nurse's vagina. In legal term Cpl. Kenneth "Scratchy' John raped my student driver, the friend of the Traffic Department and love interest of his colleagues: the Nurse.

I had no doubt, that my student: the Nurse was speaking the truth, for it explained, her lack of or her inability to consentrate on her driving, which was never a problem before; and her complete lack of control of the vehicle, which she always exhibit a command over.

I will forever be ashamed of what happened next. In all of my life, and in my eight years of policing (my years of service at the time), I have never heard of such thing. A man who was entrusted with the enforcement of the law, and in whom such great authority was entrusted; a man whose paid and "SWORN" obligation was to protect the community, could participate in such great betrayal, of the state trust, his sworn and paid obligation, to the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadine. How could he actually do such a thing, baffled me. I was afraid, if such a thing get out into the public, the police force will never survived such a scandal; was my mind set.

I did not tell Nurse Cecile not too go to the Commissioner of Police, as she expressed intention of doing, but I was dropping hints which suggested she should not report the matter to the Commissioner of Police. As a result of another intervention, Nurse did not report the matter to the Commissioner of Police. As she planned to.

Another rapist that got away, and I had a hand in his evasion of prosecution. Because of the fact, a man just don't wake up one morning, as an adult and decides, I am going to become a rapist, and because Cpl. John's actions was so bold. I often asked myself, how many women was raped by Cpl. Kenneth "Scratchy" John before he raped my student the Nurse and how many women was raped by him after he raped the nurse.

Because of his office, if such raped occurred before and or after the raped of my student, most likely they will go unreported; because the victim feels no one will believe them or no police officer will entertained their report. After all they are required to report their rape by a police officer to the police. To steal a quote from Donald Trump - Sad.

True Story - Allan Meets the Bermuda Governor: Sir John Vereker & his wife.

I could hear some people, in their little groups, as they discuss the incident that have happened less than hour before. They asked each other questions such as; what will be the management of the Bermuda Police Service response to PC Palmer and the incident they just witnessed on the Governor's premises? While others felt the need to abreast me of the situation: "Palmer," they said "that incident is going to reach the police authorities; the Commissioner of Police is going to hear about it, and they are not going to take it lightly." This was some of the sentiments that were being expressed on our return to the Bermuda Police Training facility at Prospect, in the City of Hamilton, the Capital of Bermuda.

While others expressed the opinion that, I was in big trouble; some went as far as to suggest, they may even send you back to your country even before you get started. This was the consensus, of all who were at the scene. "I am in trouble for what?" I asked, "for doing what is right? For doing something you guys should have step up and do?" Was my reply to the rhetoric of fear that was being propagated. 

I was on the island on Bermuda for five weeks, I left my Country, family, friends, all that I know and love, as well as, my old job behind; after providing nine years of service to my community, to take up a new job in the same field. My responsibility was to uphold and enforce the laws Bermuda an overseas territory of England. I was not alone in this new adventure; there were others from different Caribbean country and England; going through a six weeks assimilation training course, were we got a theoretical understanding of the culture, the people, the different races; the criminal climate and other related issue as well as the laws we were required to enforced. 

We were into the last week of the sixth week assimilation course. The The Bermuda Fire Service had completed a plan the Governor's office commissioned the Bermuda Fire Department, to carry out a general assessment of the Government house and create a comprehensive evacuation plan of the Bermuda Governor’s mansion and office. The Government house office, is located on the same property as the Governor's residence. This was not just an ordinary plan; but it was a detail operations plan; which, the police on duty at the Governor’s mansion were required to be familiar with, and be ready to execute in the event of an emergency. 

This, plan will aid in the quick evacuation of residence and workers at the Governor’s house; and see them quickly and safely usher to a designated safe zone on the property, until the appropriate arrangement is made to take them off of the property and away from the danger. This plan was designed and was being put into place, in order to prevent and or minimize injuries and death, in the event there was a real emergency such as a fire, a violent unlawful intrusion, or a terrorist attack, etc. 

The Bermuda Fire Service has some of the best-trained personnel there is on a small island, as a matter, of fact, the Bermuda Fire personnel are well trained and are just as qualified as any firefighter you will find in the USA or Europe. The Bermuda Fire Department follows the American model of response and operations. There are qualify fire investigators within their ranks, and a range of other specialist. They also have a medic core attached to the fire Department. And are the primary medical emergency first responders on the twenty-two square-miles island. 

The Governor on the other hand, is Her Majesty the Queen of England representative on the island. He or she is always a British citizen which all Bermudian are; however, in this case, the Governor to Bermuda, is always one who was born in England. Unlike most commonwealth countries that have since stepped from under the British Monarchy, the Governor of Bermuda has real power. Although his office does not get him involved in the day to day political and economic affairs of the island, he controls and gives directive to the Police Service, the Bermuda Regiment (The Army), the Fire Department, the Auditor General, the Accountant General and all of the major institution that are in place to ensure political and administrative accountability as well as, the continued good governance of the island resources. 

The governor of Bermuda is a very powerful man, at any time, during his daily briefing, from the key institutions heads, if he gets the sense from the reports that the government is involved in major corruption, he can order and commission an investigation into the affairs of government and if in his opinion it is needed; he has the power to, upon receiving the instruction from England; dissolve the parliament, put an interim government in place, until a suitable group is constitutionally elected, to once again administer the affairs of the island. In the same way that was done in Turks and Caicos in 2009. 

Assembled at the Government house, were groups of fire fighters, police officers and Government house staff awaiting the arrival of the governor and his wife Sir John and Lady Vereker. We were all gather there for a practical briefing and presentation of the new emergency response plan to possible emergencies. As expected the Governor must be waited upon and not the other way around. The Bermuda Fire Chief was responsible for making the presentation; he was aided by two other senor ranking firefighters, who had all who contributed to the completions of this project; all using their several expertise. 

In their introduction, they clearly explained that they used a lot of scientific calculation, their experience and world trends and extensive research to completed this plan. One of the clear example they give to help us to understand what they were speaking of the spoke about the ten (10) hundred pounds’ propane tanks that is stored on the premises for domestic use. They give the scientific calculation of the force and the velocity of an object that was propelled from an explosion of one such tanks, or the tank itself as well as the damages that may occur from such object being propelled. 

While we were taking a tour of the house, Madam Vereker objected, "why do they have to go into our home and into our bedroom" she said. The Fire official patiently and professionally explained to the Governor’s wife, in the event there is an emergency a split second can make the different between life and death. If the officers know where your rooms are then they can go directly to your room, and alert you of what is happening and safely escort you away from the danger. 

It was only after some urging of the importance of the exercise that she consented to having the party of police and fire fighters into the house and up to her private quarters, not for an intrusive look but for a location identification view. Every decision the fire fighter came up with Lady Vereker shot it down like a notorious marksman on a shooting range with a loaded gun. She managed to make the hard work of the fire department useless. But what was overwhelmingly surprising, no matter how outrageous or how irrational her comments were, everyone agree with her and change their sound scientific plans to accommodate the untrained governor’s wife irrational suggestions. I was shock at the way things were proceeding. I could not believe what I was witnessing. 

There were senior members as well as some junior members of the Bermuda Fire Service present. There were also an inspector and several None Commission Officers (NCO) of the Bermuda Police Service present among the people that assembled at the Government house in Bermuda. Yet, everyone stood by helplessly, while Lady Vereker ripped the Plans of the Bermuda Fire Department apart with her forcefully objections which resulted in the Fire Personnel reluctantly changing their well thought-out and well put together plans; that was gear to saving people’s live; to accommodate the Governor's wife. Lady Vereker, slowly and intentionally decimated the esteem of the Bermuda Fire Service, objections after objections, and their plans were also decimated with their esteem and their ego. 

The continued objections resulted in the public obliteration of plans the Firefighters spent many hours, of research, the employment of skills, expertise, and experience to put together. A plan that was designed to help save life and prevent injuries in the event of an emergency. A presentation the fire personnel spent many hours preparing to make. In the process, the Governor’s wife were unknowingly, endanger her life, the life of her family, Government house staff, the police that work on the premises and were responsible for executing the plans and the life of the first responders who respond to any emergency that may occur there.

By this time, we were all out on the large grounds of the Governor’s house. There were four distinct groups congregated in the premises standing closely together in a circular position that gave each person a view of the presenters. There were the presenters who were standing with their backs to the north eastern position, there were the Governor and the Governor’s wife standing on the immidiate left of the presenters, the government house staff were on the Governor’s left, there were a small group of firefighters standing immediately opposite the presenters and to the left of the fire fighters there was a large contingent of police officers.

The Fire Personnel had a designated area on the property that was consider a safe zone in the event of a fire. The Fire Personnel explained why they selected the area, which was the lowest point on the property; and because smoke rises, this area is safe from the effects of smoke inhalation and smoke related effects on the body. It was away from the road and provided some shelter from visibility from the street; the area was also out of the reach of missiles which may resulted from an exploding propane tank, that may be propelled at high velocity from an explosion they explained. 

Lady Vereker put up her hands once again, as she has been doing although the presentation and she was acknowledged as she was several times before. Then she declared, to my disgusted surprised; “why does the safe area have to be all the way down there; why can’t it be over there.” She pointed to a spot on the property that was not too far from the building that housed the Governor’s home and office, a place that was within the drop zone of missiles that was launched by the explosions and was in the line of smoke for the area was on the same level of the house and the strong wind that come up from the sea. 

One would have thought that the Governor’s wife was not listening to what the presenters was saying. It was clear that the area that the Governor’s wife was suggesting, without considering the danger that her suggested location posed; they were just about to change the safe zone to once again appease the Governor’s wife, ignoring the potential dangers of their decisions they were about to make and have made since the presentation begin. 

I put up my hand and waved it so it will not be overlooked, when the presenter acknowledged my hand, I said I do not have a question about the presentation because the information is clear, however, I will like to address Lady Vereker, I said Lady Vereker, you have got to understand, that the member of the Bermuda Fire Department are trained men in their field, they clearly said that they used, their training in the several related field, they did research, and they used their experience in coming up with a scientific report and everything in their report and presentation was are based on sound scientific calculation. 

You are not a trained person in any of the sciences, be it fire technology or the science of explosion or any of its related field;" I continued, "when you object to the firefighters recommendations, which is based on sound, practical and scientific calculations, what you are actually doing is, endangering your live, the life of your family, the life of Government house staff; the life of the police who work on the premises, who are expected to execute the altered plan and the life’s of the other emergency workers who will attend any emergency. You have to allow the train professionals to do their jobs to the best of your ability.” Then I respectfully said that is all I wanted to say.” 

By the time I was finished speaking, I did not realize a hurricane blue over the Governor’s property. When I looked around, I realized that everyone had moved from around me. I was left standing with one other person; A St. Lucian police officer by the name of PC Peter Charlemagne, who is currently and inspector of police in the Bermuda Police Service.

Charlemagne was a young man who have served the people of St. Lucia for 10 years in the capacity of a police officer before taking up his new post in Bermuda with the Bermuda Police Service. At the tine of the event Peter had been serving in Bermuda as a police officer for about two years before I arrived to Bermuda. He refused to move and stood with me, because in his words, you were not saying anything wrong, you were not rude in you speech and what you said made sense. I got the impression, I beat Charlemagne to making the same remarks. 

Contrary to what most of the people who were present thought and expressed, nothing came out of the harmless incident, I was never asked about it, I never spoke about it. This incident made the authorities took me serious and therefore, it gave me some leverage; when I discovered that the white police officers were treated differently from the black police officers. One day I brought up my observation of the racial disparity with regard to the treatments of the white police officer who came from England and the Black police officers who came from the West Indies. As a result, I informed my supervisor that I expected to be treated as if I am white and I will not accept anything less. As a result, I was treated with the utmost respect by all from the junior as well as senior staff of all rank. 

The incident that occurred at the Government House, was kept alive within the Bermuda Police Service and within Bermuda by a Dominican Senior Police Constable by the name of: Kenrick Shillingford. Kenrick was the permanently assigned to duties at the Governor’s house, because of an injury he sustained. It was my good friend Mr. Shillingford’s self-appointed responsibility to jokingly remind me of that incident everywhere he saw me.

It could be on the job, when we were out on work social, at visit to his home or on the streets. It matters not where Kenrick sees me, he automatically sticks his hands into the air, then he will recite my little speech verbatim, in a distorted voice that mimics the way I speaks. Kenrick had a hell of a time sharing this story with his friend and family especially when I was around and he will literally die with laughter each time he share it. You would have though Kenrick have just heard this for the very first time. 

True Police Story - Mrs. Quow: I am going to break Constable: Allan H. F. Palmer

It was an uphill road in my short struggle to becoming a police officer. If I was a man, who did not have a fight in me; I would have never been awarded the wonderful opportunity and the esteem privilege to serve the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the capacity of a police officer and thus make a contribution to nation building in this area. The training program was an easy one and it posed no physical or intellectual challenged to me. In that I excelled in every aspect of the police training program. 

One afternoon, I was summoned to the commandant of training: Mr. ASP Christopher’s office, because he discovered, I did not want to and I was not making any preparatory effort to participate in the finals of the events I qualify for. To make and participate in such events increases ones chances to be the best recruit to whom the commissioner’s baton is awarded. I qualified for the self-defense finals, best kit finals, best Jill finals and I was always in the top three or four students academically. I did not want to participate or compete for the top spot, because I knew; the police authorities, were not going to give that spot to a Bottom Town man. and it would not have mattered if I actually won that award by a landslide. 

This was evident by what Superintendent Osborne Quow said, when he came to visit and speak to the class of which I was a student, at the Police Training School. Mr. Osborne Quow was a Superintendent of Police (SOP); he was the most feared senior officer within the police force. By his actions, he was the self appointed chief disciplinarian in the organization.

There were tow side to Mr. Quow's disciplinary actions: on one hand, it was good for maintaining a high standard of discipline to Safeguard the order that was required to ensure the institution be effective and the community is properly served. On the other hand, it was unfortunate because, SOP Quow, took the disciplining of the men and women, to the point where, he literally became a bully to some of the men; and in some instance could have be categorized as a blatant abusing his power. 

The police force is an adult organization, which is also a male dominated organization. It was a shame to see grown men; fathers and husbands and a lot of the police officers, who pretended to be bad men on the street; were literally struck with fear and trembled at the mentioned the name of Mr. Quow.

The superintendent literally had his own police force within the force. Those people who were closely associated with Mr. Quow, could not do any wrong; they did and said as they liked and they were above the supervision of their supervisors and there was nothing anyone could have done about it. His men were also assured of quick promotion and in some case, they had to contribute financially, and on a monthly basis for the unjust promotion they were given.

I will attempt to give you an idea of just how fared Mr. Quow was and the level of fear he instills in the members of the force. Once there was an incident in the community of Barrouallie, where a violent mentally deranged man bearing a machete in his hand, ran into an occupied house. When the occupants of the house saw the crazy man whom they knew, they all run out of the house, leaving a sleeping six months old baby behind asleep and undisturbed by the commotion which brought the police to the scene. When the police arrived to the scene, the police recognized the man to be a violent man when he was in a mentally declined state. From the looks of things, the man have already reached to that state where he was violent. 

Sergeant (Sgt.) Walker was the senior officer on the scene and an assessment of the scene; it was concluded by all involved that the situation was too dangerous, for the local police in the community to handle. This was because of their limited training and the limited resources they had access to. As a result, Sgt. Walker called his unofficial Commandant SOP Quow, and he updated him on the state of the affairs and requested that he (Mr. Quow) dispatch the Special Service Unit to deal with the matter. 

Mr. Quow said to Mr. Walker whilst on the phone, using his unique pitch and voice: “Walker Get the child! Walker I say to get the child! Mr. Walker said ok Sir! Sgt. Walker hanged up the phone and even though he was untrained in such art, the Sergeant functioned with greater skills than a tactical specialist. Immediately, the petrified Sergeant found a means how to and got into the house undetected, once in the house, Mr. Walker crawled on his belly to where the child was, he retrieved the sleeping child from off the bed on which the child lay unaware of the danger that had forcefully became a tenant occupying the house where he so peacefully lay. 

After Sgt. Walker retrieved the sleeping child from the bed on which it peacefully lay. Sgt. Walker then retraced his crawl, this time he was carefully carrying the precious package in his hand: the six months old baby. It is only God alone that knows, why that child did not wake up during the whole event, of being moved and carry, or why he did not cough, sneezed, cry, or just say gu-gu as most babies does even while the sleep. Thus, alerting the mentally deranged man of Sgt. Walker’s helpless presence. But thank God the baby did not make a sound to betray his rescuer’s undetected presence. As a result, Sgt. Walker exited the house, unknowing to the mentally deranged man who was in the same bedroom. 

When Mr. Quow showed up to address the class at the Police Training School, the entire training staff was on edge. He did two things, that made it clear to me that I was not wanted and therefore, will not be given the top award upon completion of the program. The first thing he did during his speech, was to looked at me, pointed me out, asked me my name and declared, your eyes look like you smokes Marijuana.

When Mr. Quow said that, I looked at him with a tense smiled that distorted my lips and I shook my head from left to right in sympathy for the man and his remarks. I wanted him to get a message, that I was not afraid of him and his prejudicial remarks. Then he went on to say, I know most of you have set your hopes on going to specific department, but that is not how it is here. You will be placed where you are needed not where you want to go. I suspected that his reason for visiting and his little pointless chat was aimed at me. 

Such remarks, like the Marijuana smoking remark, when made by Mr. Quow, took on a life of its own and normally follows a police officer throughout his or her entire career. It was also the beginning of a police career with a target on one’s back. As in the case of Maxwell Springer, an intelligent young police officer, that most of the management of the police though was an intellectual threat to their existence.

A target that exposes one to suspicion and ill treatment, by all especially the members of Mr. Quow’s force. Later an instructor at the training school tried to use Mr. Quow’s remark against me, starting the expected trend. I quickly, put that to rest by telling the instructor, who cares what Mr. Quow say, is Mr. Quow God. Unknowingly I struck a chord of reality, that put that instructor in check. That was the last time I have ever hear that remark again. 

After a lengthy debate with Commandant Christopher, he rationally, went against my suggestion, which was to let one of the other guys who really wanted to participate in the various competitions, get the opportunity too, by taking my place. Mr. Christopher said, you have to remember this is training, I have to follow the rules, so you can get an idea of what will be expects of you in the police world, and another thing he said in sticking to his decision. The other people who will like to be in the finals did not qualify for the finals; you did! 

I was correct in my assessment, because even after a stellar all round performance in training school, qualifying for all of the competitive finals, and placing 3rd or 4th overall academically, I was sent to the transportation division where my responsibility was to be a police driver. While there were a few people on the program who have never passed a weekly test or the final exam; were sent to specialized department. 

I graduated, and I left the Police Training School and I was now assigned to the Transport Division at the Central Police Station in Kingstown. Across the yard from the Transport office in the second floor of the Victorian building that is a part of the police compound at the Central Police Station was Mr. Quow’s office. From his office he can see everything that goes on in the common area. Every now and then you can see him opening the window to his office, where he will call someone of shout some order to someone. 

Grown men sitting on the bench in the yard will get up from their seat and literally run because they did not want to be seen by Mr. Quow. Because to be seen by him, may mean some form of punishment, a day off or a weekend forfeited, even an instantaneous transfer. In my mind it was demeaning to see my colleagues so afraid of a man. I personally never felt the urge to ran at the presence of Mr. Quow and I did not run; I will just walk away after everyone have speedily abandon me or I will remain sitting were I was. 

My lack of reverence for him annoyed My Quow, and he opened his book of intimidator tactics, and began his little game to instill fear in me. In the morning when Mr. Quow arrived to work, there was a police officer already waiting to meet him in his assigned garage, to open his car door for him, take his flask and Brief case from his car and take them to his office.

On such a mornings when he knows I was working, as if he did not know who is working at the transport division; he will slyly ask who is working at transport this morning, he will summon me to the vehicles that was assigned to the transport division and complain about something and instruct me to get it done. 

If he sees me in the yard he will quickly leave his office to accost me in the yard, and find something to criticized, because I was always neatly dress and clean, there was hardly anything about my appearance for him to attack. If he did not see any pen in my pocket, he will say Palmer where are your pens; and if I did not have any pens on me at that point and time he will make a big deal out of thing like that. 

I was determined to stop this regular accosting and foolish nagging was getting too overbearing and a lot of people noticed it. At the time I did not know what was happening and what was hoped to be gained by Mr. Quow’s attitude towards me. This had became a trend and I accidentally overheard some NCO's speaking about what Mr. Quow was doing and why he was doing it.

However, what I did know was; I was not going to be washing any police officer personal car, I was not going to be demeaning myself by running like the others whenever they saw Mr. Quow, and I was not going to become one of Mr. Quow’s errand boys that spend their days off on his farm or running other errand for Mr. Quow. 

I was getting teed off at Mr. Quow’s behaviors toward me, I needed a solution and I needed one quickly. And then I got an idea. It was the only course of action I could have think of. The following morning, I got up early, I complete all of my responsibility to hand over to the next shift. I began to clean a transport right in the area of Mr. Quow’s assigned parking space. I was cleaning that transport for almost an hour. No one knew what I was up to but I was there waiting patiently for Mr. Quow to get to work. I did not intend to leave that spot until I have executed my plan. 

While there, I saw one of the officer on duty at the Fire Department, sprang to his feet and hurriedly open the gate to the fire station; the entrance where Mr. Quow normally enter the police premises. This could only mean one thing, Mr. Quow have arrived to work. He was the only senior officer who demanded such, service. Mr. William Harry did not demand such reverence and he was the Deputy Commissioner of Police, and neither did Mr. Randolph Toussaint who was the Police Chief. 

I was still keeping a visual on the gate; I wanted to know the exact time of Mr. Quow’s arrival. Still pretending to be washing the vehicle, I saw a familiar car drove slowly into the drive way passing the gate that gives access to the police compound. Mr. Quow was in love with the accolades of his post. As a result, he stopped his car, to ensure the police officer who opened the gate in order for him to enter on to the police compound, pay him his tribute with a salute.

After which, he drove his car slowly up to the area of the reception desk of the Fire Department and stop there, to ensure the None Commission Officer on duty there, called the men at the fire department to the attention position; while the NCO offers him a tribute in the form of a salute. The initial tributes was important to the superintendent to begin his day. If one thing does not go as Mr. Quow expected it to; everyone was going to have a bad day especially those who messed up. 

I watch as Mr. Quow car drove up the little incline that lead from the gate, then across the yard and into the parking area that was reserve for him under the over hang of new Criminal Investigation Department building. By this time, his orderly was on his way over to collect his brief case and his Termus; Whose responsibility it was to take them to his office. This morning I beat the orderly to Mr. Quow’s Car, I politely open the door to his car, as his orderly would have down. I saw a victorious smile erupted on my Quow’s face, as if to say, I think Palmer is actually coming around to how we do things here. 

I stood at the side of the car that leads out of the parking garage while Mr. Quow existed the car, there was nowhere from him to go; there was a concrete column that blocked his way and I was standing in the only way out of the area. Looking at him directly into his eyes with no sign of weakness, I said "Mr. Quow I want to have a word with you." 

Mr. Quow was still wearing the smile of victory on his face; then said, "what do you want Palmer." Still maintaining eye contact I said to him, ever since, I came to work here, each time you see me, you have something negative to say to me. I want you to tell me what have I done to you or what have I done wrong. Mr. Quow was taken aback, and the confident smile he had on his face, immediately disappeared and it was replaced with a look of shock and disbelieve, at what he was hearing. He looked at me confused. 

No one was ever been brave enough to confront Mr. Quow about such things before. For the first time since I got to know Mr. Quow, the always loud, always vocal Superintendent, who struck fear into the hearts of grown man was at a loss for words. From his reaction you could see Mr. Quow look for words to justify his behavior toward me but his mind betray him. 

By this time his orderly observing the confrontation, quickly grab what he came for and disappeared. He did not want to be a witness to what was taking place. Mr. Quow was still stumbling over his tongue, trying to find the right words to justify his behaviors towards me. His lips were making efforts to move but they were only quivering; they were froze, leaving his mouth in the open position and they did not really move; and nothing come out of his mouth. 

Then suddenly I saw movement of his lips and I actually heard words. the words said "Palmer just do what is right and fear no man”. I quickly reply: what is what I was doing all the while but you were still picking on me for no reason at all. Then Mr. Quow said to me well continue to do what is right and fear no man. I quickly reply Ok Sir, I will. I moved out of his way, then Mr Quow, reached into his car took out his cane and cap proceed to walk to his office as if nothing have just happened. 

It was not my last encounter with Mr. Quow, but it was the last time, Mr. Quow ever picked on me for absolutely no reason. This was the beginning of a wonderful experience in the police force. This is what happens when you beat the bully.

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True Story - Judge I. D. Mitchell, The Gunmen & the narrow escape

Ian Donaldson Mitchell was a Eastern Supreme Court Judge, who later was appointed to and served on the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal as a Appeal Court judge. However, before his appointment to the appeal court; he was assigned to and he faithfully serve the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the capacity of a Supreme Court Judge in both civil and the criminal Jurisdictions. Justice Mitchell is small in stature, who always carries a pleasant smile on his face. He is a well-read man and in my opinion, the brightest of the judge, who have served the Eastern Caribbean Court system. He was quite a humble fellow and very down to earth.

By this time in my police career, I have had several Short and Mid-term assignment with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, but never a long term assignment. I particularly like those short assignments, because they give me a break from the regular grins and the controversies, I seems to be prone to, while I performed regular duties. Controversies like the Kusu incident or getting my jaw broken. Like everything else, I took my assignment serious. I was not going to be the guy whose judge got injured and or killed on my watch. So unlike the other guys who were also assigned, I did a lot of leg and ground work, like going to places beforehand, to see if there is a security risk to my judge, what they are; the best way to eliminate those risk or how avoid any unseen risk. Escape route and alternate route were also considered.

With Justice Mitchell I had to be even more cautious than normal, for the simple fact; Justice Mitchell had a long term assignment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that means he will be dealing with a wide range of criminal and civil matters, and for every case, there will be a disgruntled litigant in the civil cases; those litigant against whom he found; and in criminal cases, those defendant who was found guilty by a jury and who he had the lawful authority to sentence according to the law etc.

As a result, when Justice Mitchell were required to go anywhere, be it upon an invitation or on his own accord, I will pay that place a visit, check out the place, speak to the people there, so on our arrival he got first class treatment, because on sight of his vehicle; the proprietor of the business, police on duty at an official function, or the people who extend an invitation will be there to welcome us and to ensure that all goes smooth. Justice Mitchell always says to me, Mr. Palmer, it seems like you know everyone, every place and every thing on the island. It is not that I knew everyone and every place, it meant that I did my home work to ensure we experience very little of no inconvenience if it was possible.

When my other colleagues and their assigned judges, would suffer the inconvenience of looking for entrance, seating order and other information, I always ensured that such is taken care of prior to my arrival at a function. Even when Justice Mitchell choose to attended local functions like Culture Pot in Calliaqua, although he told me not to; when I asked if I should notify the organizers that he was coming. However, because I understood the dynamics of the place and the gang thing that was raising its ugly head at the time in Calliaqua, I informed the management of the Calliaqua Police Station that the judge will be going to Culture Pot, ensuring the event was properly patrolled, and I also informed certain members of the organizer, letting them be mindful they are not to know that he was attending because that was his wish. However, on arrival, Justice Mitchell and Maggie his wife was quickly ushered and seated.   

Unknowing to most people, Justice Mitchell was a dear devil in his own rights, a man of tremendous courage. Had it not been for an injury which he had recently recovered from, I believed Justice Mitchell would have accompanied me on some of my roller blading expedition, if he thought he would have gotten away with it, without raising too much eyebrows. Justice Mitchell love to hike and we have hiked up to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines volcano the La Soufriere on several occasion, we have hike most of the hiking trail on the island of St. Vincent.

When the court was on summer break, I organized the summer program The Adventurers Hiking Program; Justice Mitchell actually participated in the program. Justice Mitchell took off his judge’s robe, put on his regular guy persona and he had fun, scratching in the dirt with the children who participated in the program; while insisting that the children called him Don. However, the participants followed my lead and always referred to him as Justice Mitchell. After all they have all seen him in his office, sitting behind his big mahogany Judges desk, dressed in his imposing judges robe; the kids were in awe when the met Justice Mitchell. These were same children who a week earlier had the honor and the privilege of paying The Judge turn hiker, an official visit and speak with him in his chamber; after which he give them a tour of his court room.  The photo of Supreme Court Judge: Justice Mitchell on a summer hiking program was deemed to be news worthy enough to make the front page of the Search Light News Paper.

Justice Mitchell was a very tactful man, when he realized that I was a practicing Christian, he told me that he and his wife Maggie did not believe in God. I did not pursue that topic any further; however, from his life style, I will declare that there was not a better Christian man than Mr. I. D. Mitchell. He was thoughtful, kind, he loves to sharing. I could remember my first Christmas assigned to Justice Mitchell, he and his wife was going to spend Christmas in Anguilla, the place where his parent settled having left Montserrat and the place where he called home. Mr. Mitchell handed me an envelope and said merry Christmas. Upon opening that envelope, I was shock to see a check with my name on it with the equivalent of my salary.

However, Putting Justice Mitchell’s personality aside; I am aware that law school is a haven that introduces many young law students into the devil worship occult, and he may very well have been speaking the truth. I honestly think that it was just the Judge’s way of not having to be worried with me trying to have him and his wife, unwillingly accompanying me to church. There was no better way to save a confrontation religion always brings.

Mr. Mitchell also loves and was an avid snorkeler (diving without the assistance of scuba breathing apparatus). Although he is a scuba diver, the water around the sea course of St. Vincent and the Grenadines do not required Scuba diving equipment to explore the beauty of the Marine world below the surface of the sea.

The same curiosity that cause Justice Mitchell to research tons of information that he may never use, information he will share with me randomly, was the same curiosity that cause us to go on so many crazy expeditions that I never thought of going on. We will be driving along a particular place and the Judge will see a mountain range or a body of sea water and he will ask. Mr. Palmer have you ever swam in that area, have you every climb to the top of that mountain; most of the time my answer was no. Then he always searchingly asks, I wonder what type of plants or what the wild life on that mountain or what it is like up there? or I wonder what type of sea creature or fish would be found there. That was an initiation of a hike or a dive to some strange place that I have never had the desire to go to.

I was always game, and my reply was the same each time, well if you will like to know what is there, I could organize a hike or a diving expedition for you to see what is happening there. That is how I was afforded the pleasure of snorkeling even around the island in Chateaubelair islet; it was all because of the Judge’s curiosity.  To ensure that he kept me interested in participating in these crazy adventures, after we had accomplished one such adventure the judge, the people who went on the expedition and I will visit the popular neighborhood restaurant and we will all have lunch on Justice Mitchell’s expense. We were required to order anything on the menu and Justice Mitchell insisted that we don’t be shy.

My friend Garwin Philips, who was also a police officer, the noted body builder, was always guest on these expeditions. I selected Garwin because we were good friends, and he was a very intimidating fellow. He was my back up in the event something went wrong. My son Malique and his mother were often apart of the party that participated in these adventures.

When the Mitchell's had foreign guess, was a prime time for weekend expeditions. It was the Judges opportunity to show his guess a good time and to give them a taste of what he was up to, on the island. On this occasion Justice Mitchell had a guess by the name of Tom Scott, from Scotland, Mr. Scott was a good fellow, this is a man who ought not to be trusted with a secret. For the simple fact no information was safe with Mr. Scott. Mr. Scott was a free spirit, he did what he wanted to and he said what he wanted to without looking over his shoulder. These were good and admirable qualities but they could be dangerous also. It was from Mr. Scott that I got a little peep into the judge financial holding and I could not believe that Mr. Mitchell was that wealthy.

Mr. Scott’s visit to the Mitchell's, only meant one thing, Hiking, smocking and other adventures. Our first outing was a trip to the La Soufriere Volcano. We left Kingstown early one Sunday morning for Georgetown, from where we were going to climb up the mountain, that leads to the volcano. While we were on the journey, we came upon a tree that had fallen across the mud track that is the regularly used trail to climb up the steep mountain. On the east there was freshly cut shrubs, however the freshly cut chub led to a well beaten track. We ponder if we should climb over the fallen tree or used the newly revealed trail. It was suggested that the new track may have been cut to get around the tree by the forestry department or it could be a whole new road to the volcano.

So we all decided to see where the track will take us. On this trip I also had my son Malique with me. At this stage he was about seven years old. While we were walking we came upon a plateau, on the top of the mountain. I stood up at the end of the dirt track that emptied out onto the plateau, because I have never seen anything like this before. While I stood observing to ensure I did not take the judge and my son into a dangerous situation; Mr. Scott fearlessly walked passed me, and he walked directly on to the plateau, amazed with the beauty of the place and the discovery, he looked around, not just by moving his head, but by turning his entire body around, with both of his hands outstretched and in the air, at the same level of his head; whiles loudly repeating the words: "have you seen this?" three or four times.

One would have thought that Mr. Scott was claiming the land, in the name of the Queen of Scotland; In the same manner I imagine Christopher Columbus would have done. By this time, I had already signaled the other members of the hiking party to get down, which they all did sensing that something was amiss from my behavior. I was whisperingly shouting at Mr. Scott, instructing him to come back into the wooded area. Mr. Scott was not paying any attention to what was going on, comfortable in his own little world he simply ignored me; no one was going to spoil this moment for him.

He was still soaking up the beauty of the place, this time his hands had changed position, he now had both of his hands on his hips, looking around not with his head but still turning his entire body around as if he was afraid that his knees or his back will miss the view, while still declaring in amazement; "what have we here." Even when he realized that he was the only one in the open and everyone else was hiding behind the trees trying not to be detected, he asked what going on, have you seen this.  I had to leave the safety of the shelter the trees, shrubs and bushes of the forest that concealed my presence; run into the marijuana field and forcefully pushed Mr. Scott out of the field. Reluctantly and resisting my effort to take him back into the covers of the forest where he was declaring at the top of his voice what is going on! What is going on!

Angry at Mr. Scott’s refusal to follow instructions, which almost endangered the life of the entire hiking party; including my son Malique whom I had a fatherly obligation to, and the judge whose safety I had a professional responsibility for. We were not out of the woods as yet, because I did not know if we were seen by the owner of the marijuana field. One thing you must consider is Marijuana farmers are very protective of their fields, because there are field raiders who will steal the crop in an unsupervised field. Marijuana field robbing is the primary cause of missing people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. However, when I was assured that all was safe, I was very angry; because of the callousness of an adult had almost jeopardized the life of people on the hike include my son; but I kept my calm.

We return to the original rout, climb over the fallen tree and continued up the mountain. While we were almost to the top of the mountain, we noticed there were three men each carrying sacks of fertilizers on their head. While we were struggling to get to the top of the La Soufriere, up come three marijuana farmers, carrying fifty pound sacks of fertilizer on their heads; they effortlessly walked pass us going up the steep mountain. The first thing Mr. Scott did was to indiscreetly took out his camera, and began to take pic of the men.

I quickly made my way to Mr. Scott and I told him he cannot do that. I informed him that the guys carry firearms and we are miles away from help. I further explained that these guys are marijuana farmers, which is illegal and they may not want their photo graphs to be taken and publicized; they may even be wanted. It was at this time I took the time to have a serious talk with Justice Mitchell about his guess.

I took the time to bring the seriousness of Mr. Scott’s actions to the Judge's attention. I told Justice Mitchell my responsibility is to him: as the judge and not his guess, I further told him, if Mr. Scott’s behavior get us into trouble, If I have to; I will sacrifice him to ensure that I do not default on my responsibility to you and my son and I will do it without thinking twice. I said Justice Mitchell you need to have a serious talk with Mr. Scott. At this time Mr. Mitchell pulled his friend and house guest Mr. Scott aside and had a serious talk with him. As a result, we made it back to base without any major incident.

The next weekend, we were off to take Mr. Tom Scott to the Falls of Baleine. To get to the Falls of Baleine, it is a very difficult four hours of hiking, from the most northern village of Fancy, through rugged interior to get to The falls. That is one way. So I organized my cousin Hunchie, a seine fisherman, to use one of his boats to take us to The falls of Baleine; however, by boat it is not a long ride. We got to Baleine, safe and sound, there was about six other boats at Baleine with people who went to enjoy the beauty of nature that Baleine offers. I recognized some of the people who were gathered there, picnicking and enjoying nature and the company of friends. We were having a good time, Mr. Scott was at his best behavior he was good at making friends and he made friends with some of the people who were picnicking there.  He was truly having a good time.

We were there for about an hour and a half and we were having a good time; however, something did not sit well with me and I did not know what was wrong. I looked around but nothing was out of place, yet my gut told me that something was not right. Because Malique was on the trip, I was not going to take any chances, I rather error on the side of caution.

Mr. Tom Scott, Justice Mitchell’s friend was in his element, he had made friends with some of the people there and he had their attention. I located Hunchie and I told him let’s get ready to leave, Hunchie thought the decision to leave was a little premature, because it was a beautiful day and it was quite early. While Hunchie was getting the boat ready to leave, I went and I told Justice Mitchell it was time to leave, Justice Mitchell trusted my judgment and he did not questioned my decision, I went and I informed Mr. Scott that it is time to leave. It was a difficult task getting Mr. Scott away from his appreciative audience. As usual Mr. Scott put up a fight, what do you mean it is time to leave he asked in protest, I had no justify reason to give Mr. Scott but I repeated the words to Mr. Scott and I walked in the direction of the boat, making sure Malique was with me.

By this time Mr. Scott, went back to entertaining his audience, I went to Justice Mitchell and I informed him, If Mr. Scott does not get on board the boat now we are going to leave him behind. The Judge quickly went and summoned Mr. Scott who reluctantly complied with the instruction of his friend the Judge. By this time the boat was partly in the water, Malique, the Judge and Mr. Scott boarded the boat, Hunchie and I push the boat into the water and away from the shore, then I boarded, and Hunchie, give the final push and jumped into the boat. Hunchie started the small outboard engine and we began to head away from the beach. Then Justice Mitchell said Mr. Palmer look something is happening back there, do you know what is going on. I briefly looked back, unfortunately I did not care. My fatherly responsibility was safe and my professional responsibility was also out of harms way.

I got the impression that Mr. Mitchell wanted us to go back to see what was going on just in case we could have rendered help. However, after that brief look at the beach when Justice Mitchell brought the commotion on the beach to my attention, I did not look back. We got back to Barroualie, the place where we started from culminating the end of the Falls of Baleine trip.

Later that evening, I received a call from Hunchie, and he said to me, Palmer is a good thing we leave Baleine when we did. When I asked why, he told me, one of his friends who were on the beach told him as soon as we pushed off and was on our way; some gun men came out of the mountain, they held up everyone and robbed every one of all of their valuables. The next morning I went to Central Police Station and I got a hold of the police night report which is a compilation of all of the crimes that was committed in the pass twenty four hours.

There was a consolidated report, of a multi reports robbery, which occurred at the Falls of Baleine on the day before that corresponded with the time the boat that carried my son Malique and Justice Mitchell; was leaving the Balleine Bay. Later I brought the incident to Justice Mitchell’s attention, he looked at me with a smile of his face and he said "O really!" Justice Mitchell's looked disappointed, as one who had regret missing out on the action that had taken place. 

After which, he lay his right elbow on the rounded area on the inside of the car window, pressing the outer area of his right elbow onto the glass, his open right hand cupped the right side of his chin, as his little, ring and middle fingers fold down into a king of fist, causing his little and ring finger to press down on his bottom lip, while index finger pointing up to his temple similar to Malcolm X famous photo graph; as he looked out or the window of the moving car at the sea, but appear to be looking out into space; As one in deep thought.  

I have never hear of a robbery at Baleine before this one and I have never heard of a robbery after this robbery.

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