Police blogger faces disciplinary hearing

A policeman who was suspended from duty after launching an internet blog is to face a disciplinary hearing, his latest online entry reveals.

P.c. Allan Palmer tells visitors to his Crushing Fools website that he was served with a charge sheet on Tuesday containing six charges for an "internal trial" by Bermuda Police Service (BPS).
Five days before, he says, his bosses served him with papers ordering him to take down posts and not publish any more about the Police on his blog.

"These charges will give me an opportunity to vindicate myself and test the way the Bermuda Police Service does business in the future," he writes.

"It is strange that everyone is of the opinion that this whole trial was concocted or was rigged and even if I present a winning case I will be found guilty."

The father-of-three fell foul of his superiors after launching his online journal at the end of last year. The Royal Gazette reported on the site after he wrote a message urging the community to unite against violence.

His next post on January 23 was titled An Abuse of Power — Stepping Back into the Stone Age of Policing and claimed that "ambitious people" within the police service were trying to silence officers like him. He was suspended on full pay soon after.

The January 23 entry has been removed from the site but subsequent posts has been made.
His post this week does not detail the six charges. It reads in part: "It has been almost four months since I was suspended from the Bermuda Police Service and during this time, Bermuda Police Service seems to be dragging their feet in having my matter processed speedily."

He goes on: "Now I am very much satisfied that I am going to have my day at a trial."

He claims the orders to remove posts from his blog and an advert promoting the website on the back of his car are an attempt at censorship by BPS and in contravention of Bermuda's constitution and his right to freedom of expression.

P.c. Palmer told this newspaper he did not wish to comment and referred questions to his lawyer, who could not be contacted.

A BPS spokesman said: "The matter of P.c. Palmer is a subject of the Police Discipline Orders 1975 and, as such, no comment can be made at this time."

Blogging policeman resigns

A police constable who faced disciplinary charges after launching an online blog has resigned and will leave Bermuda in August.

Allan Palmer, from St. Vincent, told The Royal Gazette he handed his notice into Bermuda Police Service last Friday. "The whole thing is just a waste of my time and their time," he said.
"I'm not fighting for a job. It just doesn't make sense fighting with these people. They would have their own way no matter what happens so I have just decided to call it a day."

Mr. Palmer incurred the wrath of his superiors after launching his Crushing Fools blog at the end of last year. He posted a message on the internet journal in January — since removed — claiming that "ambitious people" within the Island's Police service were trying to take it back into the dark ages by silencing officers such as himself and "perverting the course of internal justice".

His bosses responded by suspending him from duty — but his critical posts about other officers continued.

Last month, Mr. Palmer was served with a charge sheet containing six charges and told to attend a disciplinary hearing.

The 41-year-old said he saw no point in going through the disciplinary process and has instead opted to leave the Island and look for work elsewhere.

He would not reveal where he intends to head next, claiming: "I don't want to say if I have got a job; knowing these people they will try to put stumbling blocks in my way."

He said he had no regrets about Crushing Fools. "I don't regret setting the blog up one bit. Everything has been worth it."

The single father-of-three said his decision to resign was partly fuelled by the fact that he wanted to spend time with his eight-year-old son Malique, who is going to England to live with his mother.

Mr. Palmer's other two children live outside of Bermuda.

"It's also time for me to move on," he explained. "Four years for me in Bermuda is quite enough. Bermuda has a lot of money to offer its workers but there is more to life than money.

"I would not be sad to leave the Island although I'll miss a few of the friends I have made. I'm just shooting off into the sunrise."

A BPS spokesman said: "The BPS does not comment on officers' personal HR matters."

Blogging Policeman suspended

A Policeman has been suspended from duty after posting allegations of "misdeeds" in the Bermuda Police Service on his internet blog.

The Royal Gazette reported on P.c. Allan Palmer's Crushing Fools site earlier this month, after he wrote a message urging the community to unite against violence.The St. Vincent father-of-three, who describes himself in his online journal as an "independent thinker", posted another message on January 23, titled An Abuse of Power Stepping Back into the Stone Age of Policing.
The posting - since removed from the site - claimed that "ambitious people" within the Island's Police service are trying to take it back into the dark ages by silencing officers such as himself and "perverting the course of internal justice".

P.c. Palmer claimed there was a tight-knit "mafia" of Barbadian officers who attempted to manipulate issues to make sure things go their way. He alleged that he began to have a bad experience in Bermuda Police Service (BPS) after raising concerns about a "practice that was sanctioned by the ... Barbadian Mafia".

"To have the guts to speak out against the discrepancies was the beginning of my troubles in the Bermuda Police Service," he wrote. "The protective little bunch launched an all-out attack on me."

He added: "In their effort to cover up the misdeeds and to once again aid in the miscarriage of internal justice, I became the focus of their negative attention.

"P.c. Palmer wrote that the "war was intensified" after this newspaper published an article on his blog on January 8. He claimed that the BPS viewed his blog entries, one of which questioned whether official Police statistics should include additional categories, as negative.

P.c. Palmer, who launched Crushing Fools in December, is understood to have been a Policeman here for about four years with his contract due to end next April. He wrote in the removed post: "One thing I am confident of is the fact that I left St. Vincent and the Grenadines an efficient and an effective police officer. The same goals I use in policing St. Vincent and the Grenadines are the same goals I use here; I ensure the people of the community can enjoy the comfort of their own homes and community without fear."

This newspaper sent e-mails to the BPS last Thursday afternoon asking for comment. It is understood that P.c. Palmer was suspended on full pay that day after a meeting with his superiors.

The 41-year-old's next post was on Monday (January 28), when he wrote:"By now the world should know that I am on suspension from the Bermuda Police Service, pending the outcome of an investigation which was initiated after I posted the last article on this blog."

A spokesman for BPS said last night: "The Bermuda Police Service can confirm that P.c. Allan Palmer has been suspended in relation to allegations of conduct that may have breached the Bermuda Police Service discipline code.

"We won't go into any of the specifics that he's made on his website at this time but we are actively looking into his breach at this point in time. We will not say anything else as this is an ongoing discipline matter."
What do you think? Should Police officers face disciplinary action for criticising their superior officers? E-mail your thoughts to news@royalgazette.bm

Blogger calls for residents to 'be courageous'

A serving Police officer has launched an Internet blog calling on the community to "be courageous" and unite against violence and crime.

P.c. Allan Palmer, who is originally from St. Vincent and is understood to have been a policeman in Bermuda for about four years, began posting messages on his Crushing Fools site last month — before the violence which marred the Island's Christmas celebrations.

The first entry in his online journal is titled: "It is time to take our community back."
P.c. Palmer writes that he has been told by members of the community that there are people with "sound and relevant information" on recent unsolved murders who are not coming forward.
"It was also brought to my attention that the individuals who have pertinent information that could be of evidential value and which may ensure the victims' families gain the closure they are looking for, are afraid of retaliation," he adds.

"Fear is never a justified reason to cause or aid in the miscarriage of justice. Everyone that resides in this tranquil community needs to be courageous."

Father-of-three P.c. Palmer, 41, who describes himself on his website as an "independent thinker", says residents of the Island need to be put aside their fear of retaliation if they want justice to be done.
"Courage is not the absence of fear but it is the willingness to act even when you are afraid," he writes. "If we use fear to allow an offender to evade prosecution, whether it is for the offence of murder or for an offence of a less serious nature, we are only empowering the criminal."

The entry, dated December 6, 2007, concludes that Bermuda is "still a very safe community" but P.c Palmer warns: "I can see the potential for things to get out of control. It will be a shame if the citizens and residents of this tiny island are made to live in a petrified state.

"Have we adopted the 'it's not my business' mentality? For the sake of this little island, I hope not."

On December 23 — just a couple of days before the Christmas shootings which left Aquil Richardson dead and two other men injured — P.c. Palmer posted another online entry titled: "Let the stats speak to you."

In it, he argues that official Police statistics on crime leave out key categories such as assault causing actual bodily harm, wilful or criminal damage and drug-related offences. He also points out rises in theft, burglary, assault causing grievous bodily harm and sexual assault between 2005 and 2006.

P.c. Palmer states that "murder has seen an unprecedented rise of 50 percent every two years. This can quickly become a frightening number. These are serious times."

There were two murders in Bermuda in 2003 and in 2004 and three in 2005 and in 2006.
P.c. Palmer did not wish to comment on the blog when contacted by The Royal Gazette. It can be found at http://crushingfools.blogspot.com.

Police blogger formally dismissed

Commissioner of Police George Jackson officially "dismissed" blogger Allan Palmer from the Bermuda Police Service on Wednesday,

Mr. Palmer faced disciplinary action from the BPS early this year and was suspended from duty as a result of postings he made on his Internet blog, 'Crushing Fools'.

The former officer — originally from St. Vincent — never gave up his blog and left Bermuda yesterday, although he declined to disclose his destination.

The Police Service, however, issued a statement on Mr. Palmer claiming that allegations on his blog were of "such a malicious nature" that the public needed to be assured of their untruthfulness.

"Firstly, it should be noted that Mr. Palmer has been the subject of a number of disciplinary matters here in Bermuda, regarding his conduct while a member of the Bermuda Police Service," the statement said. "These matters are conducted under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner."

It continued: "In his blogs, Mr. Palmer has continually misrepresented information and expressed personal views that are inappropriate for a member of the Bermuda Police Service."
The statement said that while the BPS does not normally comment on personnel matters, "the very public manner in which PC Allan Palmer has conducted himself necessitates a public response."

According to the Police release: "Mr. Palmer claims that the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Bermuda's Commissioner of Police Mr. George Jackson and one of his Superintendents, Mr. Randolph Liverpool, are all conspiring against him after he wrote an article critical of Dr. Gonsalves following sexual assault allegations made against the Prime Minister.

"This could not be further from the truth. Any suggestion of collusion or conspiracy is a complete fabrication.

"The Commissioner of Police for St. Vincent and the Grenadines has written formally to the Commissioner of Police Mr. George Jackson complaining about the conduct of Mr. Palmer, these matters relate to the internal discipline and are again under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner.

"Likewise the allegations by Mr. Palmer that his phones were tapped, listening devices were placed inside his room, that he was followed 24 hours a day for 3 months and that a female 'honeytrap' was set against him are preposterous and totally false."
According to the Police statement, Mr. Palmer's public statement that he has resigned in June was also untrue.

"PC Palmer remained a member of the Bermuda Police Service and subject to service discipline," the statement said. "(Wednesday) under powers vested in him by the Police Act, the Commissioner of Police has dismissed PC Palmer from Police Service."
Attempts to contact Mr. Palmer for comment were unsuccessful.

Fighting for the victims of rape
Published on Saturday, July 19, 2008
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Dear Sir:

After reading my writing in defence of justice and for the support of the allegedly raped female police officer and the young human rights lawyer, both of whom brought allegations against the Prime Minister of St Vincent, Ralph Gonslaves, for rape and sexual assault, I was confronted by this question: “why did you get involved in Ralph’s business?”

Unfortunately, when an allegation of wrongdoing is made against any public elected officer, it automatically becomes the business of the people, not only the business of the person whom the allegation was brought against.

Every public elected officer has an obligation to the people they serve and their office to uphold certain standards, and allegations made against them must be closely examined for elements of truth or untruth and be dealt with accordingly. It is the only way we can keep corrupt practice from forcing up its ugly head and becoming a part of what is considered normal.

Because of the reason I perceived the question was asked, I refused to discuss it. However I am of the opinion that there are others who would like to know why I got involved and wrote the following articles in defence of justice, against rape and in support of the rape victims. I have been teaching my son Malique that he must be a voice for and of the people who don’t have a voice, and to use his strength to defend those who are weaker than himself. But more so the offences of rape have become close to me. I have had family members who were victims of rape. With the exception of one woman, all of the women I have started serious relationships with have been victims of rape and or sexual assault.

This had led me to understand that there are big bad wolves everywhere and most of them are dressed in sheep’s clothing; they put on the outfits of caring stepfathers, concerned members of the community, community leaders, members of the cloth or collar, politicians, etc. The Little Red Riding Hood of this world has got to contend with them daily.

What was unfortunate for these victims was the fact that seventy percent of the people molested were molested before their twelve birthday. The trauma that is associated with these ladies’ experience made it almost impossible for them to hold functional intimate relationships. These ladies, like most victims of rape, have problems with their self-esteem, trust and intimacy. I noticed that my girlfriends were either overly withdrawn or overly promiscuous. The unfortunate thing about this whole life-destructive episode is these behaviours are no fault of the victims (although we often blame them for their behaviours) but rather the fault of the perpetrators of these crimes that were committed against them.

I have sat with sunken heart as I listen to the unfortunate experiences these female who were dear to my heart as they relate their stories of hopelessness to me; and as they describe their feelings of worthlessness they experienced each day.

I have seen the psychological pain of my friends and I have seen their efforts to forget the negative events (the abuses they went through) of their life; that is played back in their conscious mind without their permission, as a flashback of the incident takes control of their conscious mind and replays the whole unfortunate experience over and over and over again.

I have spoken to a friend who was sexually abused by her grandfather and stepfather from the age of three years to seventeen years of age, yet she can remember with perfect recollection of every event that she went through during that period.

So I will endeavour to answer the question why did I get involved? I got involved because I am a father of three children, two girls and one boy, whom I love very much; potential victims for any big bad wolves as well as the Tom, Dick or Harry rapist that prowls our community.

Recently, I have heard of a predator that has been preying on females in the Villa and the Fair Hall area. Stories are told of this male who hold his victims at knife point and then proceeds to rob and viciously rape them. I have heard of the unfortunate female whose Fair Hall home was broken into by a predator that proceeded to mercilessly rape, rob and slash her with his knife.

This is a new and recent phenomenon to St Vincent and the Grenadines. We must never forget that the voice of silence could be deafening and it very often sends the wrong message.

To whom much is given, much is required. I owe it to my children to lend an objective voice against wrong doing, I owe it to my community wherein my children have to live, to ensure that I do whatever I can to make the community a safer place for my children and myself, I owe it to the victims who have no voice, to use the voice that God have blessed me with, to champion their cause, but most of all I owe it to my conscience to ensure that I can look myself in the eyes, look my children in their eyes, so that I can sleep well at night but more so when I become a child on my second time around (once a man and twice a child, the stage of old age) I would be satisfied that my manhood was not wasted but I would have used my influence, my life, my knowledge and my experience to help my community be a better and safer place for all to live in. Allan Palmer

St Vincent and the Grenadines need a saviour above

St Vincent and the Grenadines need a saviour above
Published on Tuesday, August 5, 2008
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Dear Sir:

After I heard the news that the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal turned down the appeal that was brought on behalf of the female police officer, I was not surprised. It is not that the lawyers did not prepare a good case, it is the fact that Ralph Gonsalves’ influence reaches far and wide. And he will do whatever it takes.

That is one reason why I cannot and will never have any confidence in the integrity of the Caribbean Court of Justice; the small-island mentality still reigns supreme and familiarity, position and influence rules in place of professionalism, honesty and justice. Unfortunately, these honourable virtues are given a back seat. There is only one hope for the alleged victims of the Prime Minister and that is the judgment of the Privy Council.

You know what is unfortunate is the fact that it seem as if every one who offered this young lady support is getting weary of the whole issue. Vincentian and all in the Diaspora need to persevere and continue to support this young police female police officer, the lawyer and all of the victims that litter the community.

I can remember when I was a little boy and Boozie Holder was shot and killed by the police. I can remember the admiration and respect I had for the young lawyer (Ralph Gonsalves) who I thought recognised the family’s need, stepped in and provided legal counsel for the family free of cost. Or was it the young lawyer (Ralph Gonsalves) took advantage of the vulnerability of the grieving family and the unfortunate death of a youth to make a name for himself?

However, as the years go by, my respect and admiration for Ralph Gonsalves has slowly diminished, to the point that I refuse to address him as doctor, or honourable. This man’s behaviour is not a reflection of a learned man, one that is capable of honestly obtaining a PhD. His behaviour has brought dishonour to his office as a Member of Parliament, the prime minister and the legal fraternity.

I am of the opinion that the leaders of the NDP have got to get up and push against the grain. The Honourable Amhim Eustace has got to prepare to dirty his hands. If Eustace is going to push Ralph out of office, he is going to have to touch the dirtiness that he is, so Mr Eustace, you cannot be afraid to get your hands dirty. When you are going against your good nature, just bear in mind that is it for the good of your country, Most people may be afraid to admit it, but you are the only hope for St Vincent and the Grenadines; the Moses who must pluck God’s disobedient children out of the hands of the wicked one. Like Martin Luther King in prejudiced America, the people need your strength, Mr Amhim Eustace, to jump into the stink (the place where Ralph Gonsalves dwells) and take St Vincent from this power-possessed man.

Amhim Eustace, I know that under normal circumstances you will not get mixed up in such. But, sir, these are not normal times. Your country, my country, your people need you to stop our beloved country from being lured into the pits of moral and economical and the host of other acts of intentional insanity that is presently going on here. Mr Eustace, your people need you, your country needs; not tomorrow, not next week, we need you like yesterday, for you are the only person who is capable of taking this country from the hands of greedy, vindictive and incompetent men.

Allan H.F. Palmer