Make statement on David West

Speaking with Dillon on Monday opposite the new building housing the Besson Street Police Station, Seales who was not invited to the opening ceremony said there are three ministers in the Ministry of National Security and not one of them commented or defended the police service when West called them “gangsters.” Not only the police service was hurting from West’s statement, he claimed, but parents, grandparents, and children were also hurting.

“I hope that you together with the Prime Minister make a statement in relation to Mr David West’s” statement that the police are gangsters,” he said. Noting that the PSWA has rejected West’s apology because the damage has already been done, Seales told Dillon, “This is your ministry. Nobody said anything for over seven days. We are totally hurt.” The PSWA, Seales said, was happy that police officer Ian Karty, who was brought before the courts in relation to the March 23, 2015, total policing day that the ministry should have stood up for them but did not.

Referring to the opening of the brand new facility and not being invited, Seales said, “Three ministers plus the Prime Minister” had not the courtesy to invite him.

“My members are expected to perform there,” he said. “You all cannot ignore the existence of the police association who represent its men for terms and conditions of work,” Seales said. Police officer who stood outside with him, he said, represented the rank and file of the police service and wanted to help, but if they are treated like the bastard child they would not be able to help.

The police continues to be the whipping boy in terms of the whole scheme of things, he said adding, “Everybody talk about crime to get them into office. When they get into office, what happens after that?”