“BE PART OF THE LEADERSHIP SOLUTION”
FEATURE ADDRESS AT THE MONROE COLLEGE CARIBBEAN LEADERSHIP FORUM: CRIME REDUCTION STRATEGIES AND DEMOCRATIC POLICING: RESPECT FOR COMMUNITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
DELIVERED BY
THE HON. DR. KENNY DAVIS ANTHONY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR FINANCE, ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, PLANNING & SOCIAL SECURITY
Bay Gardens Beach Resort, Gros Islet Saint Lucia Thursday May 22, 2014.
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening, and to those visiting, may I extend to all of you, my own warm welcome to Saint Lucia.
This evening, I will reflect on the matter of leadership in the Caribbean, albeit very briefly. After, I will touch on the matter of policing and crime prevention, particularly in the context of the need for accountability. I know that these issues are at the heart of your dialogue here tomorrow.
I accepted the invitation from Monroe College to speak at this Caribbean Leadership Forum because the question of leadership remains one of the
Page 2 of 30
enigmatic solutions and challenges in our region, as it is worldwide.
Good leaders matter to development.
How much they matter becomes amplified in small states,
such
as
ours
in
the
Commonwealth
Caribbean.
This is not an easy time
for leadership in the
Caribbean. We have had to stare in the face very real challenges that I know make a lot of people uneasy, and in some instances, unsure and afraid about the future.
Page 3 of 30
The economic situation which confronts us has called for a frank, and at times, what is perceived as austere, leadership responses. I am sure you will appreciate that these responses do not often find popular resonance amongst our citizenry. AT ALL LEVELS, IN ALL SPHERES The truth is a crisis requires strong, purposeful, and courageous leadership.However, the mistake is to assume that the leadership solution is simply about politicians and those elected at the top.
It is a solution that must be sought at all levels, and in all spheres. It is a solution that has to be applied to our businesses, to the management of our public institutions, our ministries, the command of the police force and its police stations, our hospitals, in Page 4 of 30
other words, in all spheres where decisions have to be made. It is a fascinating irony that the more we have degreed persons in our midst, the greater the cry for leadership. Why? We know that leadership cannot be truly effective without accountability. Leaders cannot know their true worth without knowing how well they perform.
This is a real challenge for Caribbean societies. In many, or perhaps even in most institutions, the lines or modes of accountability are blurred. In some, accountability may not exist at all. It simply is not part of the culture of governance.
Page 5 of 30
Put another way, our Caribbean institutions, and not just the politically elected ones, do need to become more democratic, more open, and more accountable to the people they serve. We are famous for “passing the buck.� Perhaps, if we might play less the prevailing Caribbean tradition of passing blame to the next level or to the next functionary, we might make a major shift in attitudes to leadership.The question is this: how do we alter the inherited culture of governance?
GOVERNANCE IN THE 21st CENTURY Governance in the twenty-first century is under stronger pressures than when these models of representative democracy were first created. The demands of society and economy have grown, and Page 6 of 30
the constraints of time and space are becoming smaller.
Furthermore, the models of state, whether of justice, administration or law-making, were almost directly copied from the United Kingdom. And here, I am not just talking of laws; I am referring to the conventions,
practices
and
procedures
accompanying those laws. In other words, I am talking about the supporting culture, its mores, traditions and habits. That is why it has been so challenging as some Governments have discovered to their dismay, to reform our inherited constitutional systems. Of course, our entrenched system of adversarial politics which says “oppose at all cost� any perceived Page 7 of 30
changes, does not help, never mind engagement in highly consultative undertakings.
However, I will say no more on this line of thought for now. I wish to focus on the communications challenge, something which could not have been prevented by lack of political will. VOICE TO EVERYONE This
communications
revolution
has
turned
relationships between “leadership� and those being served by leaders, on its head.
This first manifested itself through the now ubiquitous talk show.
Page 8 of 30
Whether on television or radio, the talk show has created a home for Caribbean people and for our number one past time, that of “talk”.
Moreover, it provided an amazing, liberating – some may say even dangerous – voice to everyone. While this fear may be at times founded, it is usually manifested in remote instances. I know that the leads of this conference were on a talk show, 90 Minutes, this morning, promoting this very conference, but if only the dialogue was always so enriched, so elevated across each and every talk show in the Caribbean, we would be so far better off.
Page 9 of 30
On the whole, the effectiveness of such agencies for communication still rely on the ability of the sender and the receiver to filter information, and perform analysis
on
the
information
that
is
being
communicated.
That is to say, the benefit of a well educated population allows for elevated discourse.
THEIR “TWO CENTS� Quite frankly, the issue that we all must often face, is that it appears sometimes that those who know the least on one subject area become instant experts.
They seem to believe that their particular opinions are invaluable. Put another way, their two cents is Page 10 of 30
golden. And believe it or not, there are occasional nuggets of wisdom!
Some voices become staples, crowding out the calls of others, and so, it is as if a “new parliament� is created, not of elected persons, but of those who can call in the fastest or those who enjoy special relationships
with
the
hosts
of
the
various
programmes.
STUCK IN RESPONSE MODE Albeit how skewed such platforms may be, what is underscored in such a communications fora as the Caribbean talk show, is that the public has a much greater ability to reach themselves and their political
Page 11 of 30
leadership. The determinants of public opinion have become more diffused than ever before.
In such an environment, leadership can simply get stuck in response mode.
Some may say that this is not a bad thing. Leadership should be responsive. However, as with all
things,
democracy
remains
an
issue
of
responding to the majority while allaying the special fears of the minority. This, evidently, is not an easy task. This is the unscientific, unmeasured reality of the talk show. Leadership must find ways to be able to see the value in each mode of communication. However, even with the talk show, it is still a tiny Page 12 of 30
minority that usually reaches a broad audience. It is little wonder that many feel so empowered.
24-7 PLATFORM Social media, in recent years, has had an even more remarkable
impact
on
governance
and
how
leadership must evolve. The time constraints, five minutes of fame on a talk show, disappear and can become a “twenty-four, seven” platform for any user. I personally often boast that, with and through my five thousand Facebook friends, and their friends, I can reach more people through one “post” than the most popular weekend newspaper in Saint Lucia. The social media may have empowered citizens, so too has it empowered politicians. Politicians no Page 13 of 30
longer have to rely exclusively on traditional media practitioners to interpret and relay their views on issues to the public at large. Now too, the views of journalists can be openly contested. It is a new almost level playing field. Of
course,
I
am
not
unmindful
that
new
vulnerabilities exist. Suffice it to remind you of the recent travails of Donald Sterling of L.A.Clippers fame! MOBILE SOCIETY It is indeed a fascinating world! Consider, for a moment the impact of mobile telephones. We have a mobile society, in which a vast majority have a mobile phone, and many of these have smart phones. Everyone can become an “i-reporter.� Page 14 of 30
Anyone can share their opinion on an online poll. This trend is not going to become lessened. It will only become more firmly rooted.
These communications technologies are blessings, but they also present new and unique challenges. Just remember that the Arab Spring uprisings were propagated by the widespread use of social media in crowd sharing.
Even in the Caribbean, before a police road block is up five minutes, you may well witness broadcasts on WhatsApp, Blackberry Messenger, or the like, about the location of the said road block. So, the police are compelled to shift the locations of roadblocks to stay Page 15 of 30
ahead of the game. Just as new technology can be a gift to the police for crime fighting, so too it can be their worst nightmare. Crime scenes are often photographed
and
circulated
even
before
investigators make their appearance. All of this demands major changes to the manner by which information is recorded and handled. DEMYSTIFY THE SYSTEM There is willingness for people to share information. However, this is often stymied by the belief that no one wants to be labelled the informant, the traitor, or, if you would permit without our Caribbean context, the “village mako.�
Therefore, that principle of ensuring a community solution, community participation in crime solving Page 16 of 30
means that all our institutions that deal with crime need to demystify the system of criminal justice within the Caribbean context. It calls for a very smartly crafted communications strategy that places a premium on strong ties and collaboration with the community, not a scorning of ideas.
SCRUTINISED MORE THAN EVER The reality is that after throngs of legal movies, Agatha Christie and John Grisham novels, Murder She Wrote and other television series like CSI, Law and Order, “Judge” this and “Judge” that, nearly everyone thinks they know something about the criminal justice system: enough to advise the police on solving crimes and demand a high standard of Page 17 of 30
justice, as seen on TV. They want the unreal world of television. Others will lament a rise in vigilantism and misplaced expectations on the criminal justice system, particularly in a Caribbean context that has greater resource constraints in crime fighting.
Whichever way you look at it, policing and the entire criminal justice system is scrutinised more than it has ever been before. This continuous placement under the microscope is part of that rising expectation that the system must be transparent and accountable. It must evoke fairness. BUILD PUBLIC TRUST So, just as politicians must embrace effective communication strategies, the police as well must Page 18 of 30
engender mechanisms that continuously build public trust and confidence. John Maynard Keynes once quipped that “the difficulty lies not so much in creating new ideas, but in getting rid of old ones.�
There are many antiquated views about the need for a veil of silence regarding policing. It is, however, very clear that accountability and transparency must be tested and practiced all the time for success and effectiveness
in
policing.
The
modes
of
the
engagement should be clearly spelt out so that both police and public know what the standards are.
What then are the lessons, particularly for the leaders in criminal justice, in policing and in crime prevention? Page 19 of 30
How
can
our
police
leadership,
our
legal
professional institutions, our justices become part of a leadership solution for our region?
How can we match or find suitable means to satisfy the
public’s
natural
democratic
desire
for
engagement and participation?
How do we affirm the feelings by many people that they should be involved?
PRINCIPLES OF MODERN POLICING Ladies and gentlemen, the founding principles of modern policing have always been about being democratic, responsive and engaging. If policing Page 20 of 30
does not live up to those principles, then it is below standard.
These principles remain as relevant today, as they were nearly two hundred years ago, when Robert Peel founded the London Metropolitan Police.
And though most here may well be aware of it, it does not hurt to remind ourselves that policing should be all about the following:
1. “The basic mission for which the police exist is to prevent crime and disorder;” 2. “The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of police actions;”
Page 21 of 30
3. “Police must secure the willing cooperation of the public in voluntary observance of the law to be able to secure and maintain the respect of the public;” 4. “The degree of cooperation of the public that can be secured diminishes proportionately to the necessity of the use of physical force;” 5. “Police seek and preserve public favour not by catering to the public opinion but by constantly demonstrating absolute impartial service to the law;” 6. “Police use physical force to the extent necessary to secure observance of the law or to restore order only when the exercise of persuasion, advice and warning is found to be insufficient;” 7. “Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to Page 22 of 30
duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence;” 8. “Police should always direct their action strictly towards their functions and never appear to usurp the powers of the judiciary;” and 9. “The test of police efficiency is the absence of crime and disorder, not the visible evidence of police action in dealing with it.”
But one thing that these principles do not address is the issue of the management of our police forces and other crime fighting agencies in our democracies, emerging and otherwise. Who really should police officers be accountable to? It goes without saying that the Police need to develop close bonds with the communities they serve. We accept that the relationship must be built Page 23 of 30
on respect, trust and confidence. But that does not resolve the issue of the accountability of the police for its performance or for its actions.The problem is that there is considerable hierarchical distance between the leadership of a Police Force in our part of the world and the officers in the communities that they serve. In my view, police officers ought to be made accountable to the communities they serve in the first instance but in a manner that does not compromise the hierarchical underpinnings of the Police Force as a disciplined entity. That is why I advocate the establishment of “Police Consultative Committees� in all communities served by police personnel. So much for principle.
Page 24 of 30
FAIRPLAY IN AN UNFAIR WORLD However, we know that principles must meet and inform the harsh realities of practice. We can never think that everyone wants fair play, because this is not the case.
The entire system of our courts and policing is about ensuring fair play and there will always be an attack on the system. It is a harsh reality that even while you are expected to be accountable and play by the rules, we know very well not to expect that what you have to deal with will necessarily be the same.
You are promoting fair play in an unfair world.
Page 25 of 30
In Saint Lucia, we have had the killings of police officers in the line of duty. And while we continue to have crimes of rage and emotions, we have witnessed crimes becoming more clinical, more premeditated. Even the wards of justice are under assault.
A HEINOUS ASSASSINATION Only a few weeks ago, we witnessed in Trinidad and Tobago, the heinous assassination of a Senior Counsel and legal luminary, Dana Seetahal. Ms Seetahal’s contribution went far beyond her singular presence in the criminal courts or even in the Senate of Trinidad and Tobago where she had served, but through her writings and work was instrumental in building the traditions of criminal justice in the Caribbean. Page 26 of 30
Through her teaching at Hugh Wooding Law School, she touched a large cohort of legal practitioners around the Caribbean. And, even in Saint Lucia, she provided consultation to the Government in reform of the current Criminal Code.
The manner of Ms Seetahal’s passing is a reminder that the forces against justice are real and strong. We, however, must be deliberate, right and determined in our own efforts at maintaining the rule of law.
PRINCIPAL ROLE OF THE STATE Ladies and gentlemen, the maintenance of law and order will always be the principal role of the state. Page 27 of 30
Laws are how we set our transactions, and they must exist within peaceful environments. Caribbean states will not realise unbounded potential if we do not respond with every creative and innovative means to secure better representation, deeper trust, greater collaborative efforts to secure peace, safety and security for resident or visitor.
As you deliberate tomorrow, as you discuss better ways to collaborate between local agencies, as you debate protocols, I urge you to approach these with a sincere to be leaders for our people.
Be part of the leadership solution for the Caribbean by
communicating
and
tomorrow and in the future. Page 28 of 30
engaging
positively
Ladies and gentlemen, in closing, I wish to thank Monroe
College
for
making
this
important
contribution to the Caribbean dialogue for change and progress. Such interventions are very useful as our law enforcement and other agencies involved in crime prevention can understand more intimately the successes that have been seen in Monroe College’s home base in New York.
Saint Lucia is pleased and honoured to continue being the home for Monroe in the Caribbean, and to be associated with its efforts at championing a leadership solution for the Caribbean.
Page 29 of 30
Ladies and gentlemen, do have a successful conference. And remember, if anyone needs to keep learning, it must be leaders.
I thank you.
Page 30 of 30