When was the last time you looked into the mirror, not to see if you were well groomed, make-up applied properly, moustache and beard artfully shaven, but to do some introspection to see if the person that appears perfect on the outside is a mirror reflection of what is in the inside?
My comments have been motivated by two recent editorials in “The Vincentian”. But before I get into the meat of the matter let me unapologetically state that we have some of the most brilliant editors in the Caribbean, as a matter of fact, even before I look at the headline story in our local newspapers, invariably, the editorial is my first reading. Editorials in my opinion reflect the mood of the moment. I continue to read regional and international journals and our own are on par with the rest of the Caribbean and world.
One of the recent editorials focused on leadership qualities, an editorial that teachers must read to their students, Grade 6 and above, and a most recent one focusing on morality or the lack of it in some quarters. In civil society, the guardians of law and order are our police backed by the legal system, in other words these two elements, our laws and law enforcement are essential to the proper and safe running of our society, keeping criminal activity to a minimum while ensuring that our human rights are not violated or property stolen or vandalized, and by extension, the churches focusing on the moral, material and spiritual well being of society.
Most of our laws have moral or ethical foundations that are found in the 10 commandments and other commands in the Holy Bible. Don’t steal, lie, kill, being a few of them. In our justice system, anyone addressing the court providing evidence, other than the judge or magistrate, has to swear holding the Bible in their hand, that what they are about to say is nothing but the truth. The Bible is the perfect standard for morals and ethics.
Further, I welcome the new policemen who have joined the ranks of our Police Force (I, like others prefer the term Police Service instead of FORCE), but despite the shiny boots and well-ironed tunics and smart look, let me remind them that there is a moral and ethical standard while you wear that uniform, even while not on duty. In most cases when criminal activity is committed, the police are not present and therefore rely entirely on eyewitnesses to provide them with information to bring offenders to justice. Police officers are also our sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, cousins and former school friends who have chosen a job that can be quite dangerous when dealing with armed criminals (requiring the use of force).
But the overriding quality of the police service is their morals, ethics and temperance. Yes, they are humans just like us, who need love, entertainment and good standard of life, but sad to say, we do not live in a perfect world and increasingly, violent crimes, including sex crimes are being committed daily, putting undue stress on law enforcement. Ask our detectives what it is like on a normal day … in most instances, while you are in the middle of writing or taking a report, up comes another important matter that has to be dealt with immediately, which can be quite frustrating as they might be the only officers on duty at that time.
In order to receive the cooperation and respect from the general public, the police also need to show respect to the general public and not appear as a bully because you are in law enforcement, because we witness that happening on a daily basis. We need the police and the police needs us. If is was not for law enforcement, criminals, rapists and sodomites would have a field day. Mind you, there are some model police officers who reflect the way they look and operate … sharp, clean, intelligent and polite!
Under reported : … Nowadays, our girls and women are not the only victims of sexual harassment, exploitation and rape … Yes, our little boys and young men are being preyed upon by pedophiles and perverts using gay rights as their motive to seduce these young males, the predators in most cases being older men, and older women in the lesbian world. Inside information from the jail and police FORCE state that homosexuality is also evident, and increasing in schools. A similar modus (pattern) surfaces, with seniors exerting influence or force over juniors. Charges of this type of misconduct has also been reported from some of the more established churches here and abroad. It also happens in the workplace where some women and men have to give sex to their boss in order to keep their job.
Recently, I was abhorred (disgusted) by a video showing a local law enforcement officer being sodomised. I immediately deleted that file, even before looking at it in its entirety and asked the sender not to forward it to others. That man was seen strolling with a woman recently, so I hope he has changed his outlook on life and has decided to live straight. Yes, we are human and can make mistakes especially while under the influence of alcohol, but the good thing is when we look at ourselves in the mirror and say, ‘from today, with God’s help, I am going to be the person that I and others see from the outside.’ Yes, the outside appearance MUST be a reflection of the inner person.
Part 2 will focus on Leadership. Keep reading The Bible and other good literature.
