Shyne Slams ComPol Over Free Speech Concerns

Former Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, is publicly questioning what he describes as an abuse of power by outgoing Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, after a police officer is being criminally prosecuted for allegedly making disparaging remarks about ComPol Chester Williams.

Barrow issued a statement on Thursday condemning what he views as selective enforcement of the law and a potential threat to free speech. “If another police officer calling the former ComPol Clyde Williams an expletive in a post rejoicing his departure is cause for criminal action then this presents serious questions as to how this law is applied and is this tantamount to an attack on freedom of speech?” Barrow wrote. Williams is still the Commissioner of Police until Dr. Richard Rosado officially takes over in the coming weeks.

He argued that criticism comes with the territory of public life and pointed out that he himself has faced worse. “I have been called worse and even threatened publicly yet when it was brought to @clyde Williams’ attention, he refused to take action.”

Barrow added, “First Chester had his brother Arthur Williams arrested and prosecuted for criticizing him on Facebook, then he had Nichole Mcdonald prosecuted for criticizing him, she informed me today she lost her job because of this, now an officer is being prosecuted for cyber bullying Chester?”

“This is frightening,” Barrow continued. “No public official elected or appointed should use their office to silence their critics with criminal prosecution!”

While acknowledging that free speech comes with responsibilities, Barrow said civil, not criminal, remedies are appropriate in cases of alleged defamation. “Where there is alleged defamation the civil courts provide relief… Where malicious false information is being spread, then the law should take its course applied equally to all—not just those that offend the great Chester!”

Barrow signed off with: “BANG & BYE.”

News Five contacted Williams for a response. He said he is not going to respond to anything from Barrow.