THE recent crash-landing of a Fly Jamaica Airways plane after only a departure time frame of about 15 minutes, resulted in the tragic loss of an octogenarian, who died as a result of a fractured skull sustained in the process while using the emergency chute for passenger exit.

To her family, sincere condolences are extended at this difficult time.
To the other passengers who sustained injuries best wishes are given for speedy recoveries. Of course, there was damage to the aircraft, which has since been released for whatever procedural analyses in determining cause(s) of the crash, and repairs for further service to travellers.

One must therefore be thankful to providence and to the skills of the aircraft pilot and crew for navigating such a difficult landing without further tragedy.

But arising out of this incident has been an act that can only be branded as shocking ; it is not expected to occur in such circumstances, or in any other for that matter, in which a section of the nation’s disciplined services is required.

The term disciplined forces refers to the collective of components that are each responsible for specific operational functions that have to do with the safe- keeping and protection of the nation’s security and its citizens. It is a daily undertaking, where each branch has to be on the ready for any relevant contingency.

It goes without saying that anyone who aspires to become a serving member of any of its arms, is expected to adhere to the strict code of disciplinary conduct; this is an absolute necessity, since it is non-negotiable in the daily functions of a security agency of the state, in terms of its personnel being required to respond to orders and the carrying out of such in an efficient manner. And in state security organisations, whether military or para-military, its members are expected to reflect that level of disciplinary conduct in the execution of their duties, and even when in civilian mode.

Except that this salient fact was deliberately forgotten by the reported dozen firemen who, during the post-crash operations carried out at the Cheddi Jagan Airport, allegedly pilfered items of some of the affected passengers and flight crew.

This is an act that can only be described as most shameful and unbelievable; it is the last thing that persons who have experienced such a trauma, such as a crash-landing of their flight would expect; particularly from such a department of state security that is responsible for specific rescue operations, apart from the main one of fighting fires.
Certainly, one must agree with the government’s statement, condemning the act as “reprehensible.’ Of course, there was a similarly, equally strong statement from the chief fire officer.

There are two important reminders which members of the disciplined services must always have uppermost in their understanding as servicemen: First, is that once they have taken the oath of service, that it means unswerving loyalty to the mission of their organisation’s function; secondly, and as a natural condition of the first realisation, is that any act committed during the course of any operation that is not in keeping with the standard operating procedures, and is illegal in nature, immediately infracts the disciplinary code that governs the conduct of all ranks. This is exactly what those accused firemen have done in the course of their duties.

There can be no explanation of any type from these ranks that can be offered as an excuse for such dishonest behaviour, that has served only to embarrass all firemen, thus bringing the service into disrepute. We expect due process; but justice must serve as a deterrent to others who may harbour similar intentions.