The Police Officers Association (POA), the entity within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) that represents gazetted officers of the Force, issued an exuberant statement in support of its former colleague, Former Senior Superintendent of Police James Forbes, who on Friday had his 2014 conviction for attempting to pervert the course of justice conviction overturned by the appellate court.
The POA’s statements were issued under the signature of its chairman Senior Superintendent Wayne Cameron.
SSP Forbes was convicted in a case that involved Portland Member of Parliament Douglas Vaz, and Tankweld boss, Bruce Bicknell.
The case involved Bicknell receiving a speeding ticket and allegedly solicited SSP Forbes help through his friend Douglas Vaz to make the ticket go away.
An investigation was triggered, and all three men were arrested and charged; Bicknell & Vaz was freed of all charges while Forbes was convicted and ordered to serve six months in prison or pay a fine of $800,000.
Forbes paid the fine and filed an appeal.
The appeal took almost seven years, which did not go unnoticed by the court, apologizing for the long delay before the verdict.
On Friday, February 26, SSP James saw that conviction overturned and his good name restored.
THE POA’s RESPONSE
February 24, 2021
Mr. A. James Forbes
Senior Superintendent of Police
Dear Sir,
Re: Court of Appeal Decision
The Executive of the Police Officer’s Association, on behalf of its members, wishes to convey our best wishes on your victorious outcome handed out by the Court of Appeal this morning. For many years during your tenure at the Jamaica Constabulary Force, you were the face recognized by Jamaica’s citizens, like that of Integrity, Safety, Reassurance and Standard Bearer for the institution.
It is with utmost respect and regard, that we acknowledge the fortitude which you displayed during the past six years to demonstrate your innocence and to display the integrity that you have been well-known for. We recognize the impact that the previous decision, had on your family and the diversion of your career path; however, we rest assured that justice has indeed been served although prolonged. In going forward, the POA celebrates this victory with you. and stands ready to offer not only our congratulations but also to extend assistance to you and your family as necessary, in the days ahead.
The POA encourages you to remain steadfast in your actions and to hold true to your principles.
Sincerely,
Wayne Cameron, Mr.
Chairman
S.S.P. Wayne Cameron S.P. David White S.P. Maldria Jones-Williams S.P. Christopher Phillips
Chairman Vice-Chairman Secretary/Treasurer Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
876−816−2436 876−833−8899 876−322−2500 876−423−1067
Wayne.cameron@jcf.gov.jm David.white@jcf.gov.jm Maldria.jones@jcf.gov.jm Christopher.phillips@jcf.gov.jm
S.P. Catherine Lord S.P. Alvin Allen A.S.P. St. George Jackson
Member Member Member
876−325−8764 876- 351- 2389 876- 542‑9077/876−771−0000
Catherine.lord@jcf.gov.jm Alvin.allen@jcf.gov.jm Stgeorge.jackson@jcf.gov.jm