Letter: police response to medals confusing

I am left confused with the latest utterances by the Police Social and Welfare Association. 

First I read where, after the announcement by the Prime Minister that police officers were to receive medals of honour for their role in the state of emergency, one member of the association stated that this was a “step in the right direction” by the Government. 

Now I see another member of the association stating that they “do not want medals, but houses and money.” Now I am really confused. 

Just how many spokesmen does the association have? Do they really represent the voices of the men and women of the service? 

I have met many a police officer whose manner and style represent that of class and decorum and would not respond to such an honour with scant courtesy and rancour. 

When former Prime Minister Manning awarded all police officers a medal of honour for their role in the hosting of a one-day summit, I do not recall association members stamping their feet in dismay. 

I believe they accepted this with humility, and quite rightly so. So what is the difference? Why the sudden hue and cry? 

It really boggles the mind the difference in response under different governing parties. A question to ponder.

Simone Fenty | Valsayn