I did not see or hear the general text of what Commissioner of Police Hardley Lewin said re religion and the expected performance of duty.

However, from the context of your Letter of the Day (May 30) submitted by Herbert J. Thompson and another that I read, I think Lewin was either being quoted out of context or was simply misunderstood.

The police are an integral part of our essential services and as such their services (days of work) cannot be dictated by religion - can you imagine the chaos and carnage if our nurses and firefighters should wish to dictate likewise?

When police personnel are not on the road, does this not lead to increased speeding and horrific accidents? When the police's presence is not felt on our streets, does this not lead to greater bloodshed and a spike in criminal activities which all leads to greater pressure on the limited capacities on our hospitals, firefighters and other essential services not to mention the trauma caused to the nation?

The nation's safety

I think in light of the above, that is the context in which the commissioner of police was appealing to the better judgement of his men and women that the nation cannot afford to compromise its safety on the grounds that a number has to be off on a given day for religious reasons - contrary to operational requirements.

Jamaica is noted to have probably the most churches per square mile but this has not stopped or even slowed the constant and relentless bloodbath its citizenry faces. And for those who choose to hide behind religion, there is a part in the Bible where Jesus was healing someone on the Sabbath and the Pharisees saw and got angry that he was not respecting the Sabbath, and what was his response?

I am, etc.,

PAUL GENTLES

jensamuel@tiscali.co.uk

London