Ex-chairman of the Jamaica Poice Federation Corporal Rohan James says contrary to a widely circulated memo advising of his absence at the organisation’s annual conference, he will be in attendance. 

James, responding to growing disquiet among rank-and-file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), argued that he is fully versed in the law and will not tolerate any attempts at blacklisting him. 

Speaking with Our Today on Tuesday (May 21), the corporal maintained that he needed “no approval” to attend the conference, which commenced this morning at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay.

“I’m saying neither the commissioner nor the [federation] chairman have the authority to bar me from the conference, which is the highest decision-making body for the rank and file membership. 

“Consequently, I will be attending. As a matter of fact, as we speak, I am en route there,” he explained.

“I need no invitation, I know what is entrenched in the law and I will not facilitate any discrimination by anyone to bar me from representing my well-being and welfare and the vested interest of the [federation] membership,” James added.

A recently published letter by the current federation chairman Inspector Blanche Codner, advised of James’ absence—triggering concerns that the outspoken cop was being ‘silenced’.

The letter reads in full:

“Good morning colleagues. There are a few things we need to bring to your attention and address some concerns that have been raised. Regarding the the attendance of Cpl. James at the 81st Annual Joint Conferences, please note the Commissioner of Police must approve attendance for non-delegates. No approval was given for Cpl. Rohan James, the former chairman, to attend the conference”. 

Beginning today, the conference is scheduled to run up to Thursday, May 23.

James remains interdicted over remarks he made chiding the Police High Commond last July at the funeral service for slain Constable Damien Blair. 

A subsequent November 2023 Supreme Court ruling ordered that James immediately resume his duties as chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation. However, the Court of Appeal later granted Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Andrew Lewis permission to pursue an appeal to stay James’ interdiction.

As a result, the cop’s reinstatement was halted.