Below is the article whichshould have appeared yesterday.Whatever defence is put forward on behalf of crime fighter William Bratton for his statement that "...only three things work for no money or low wages: a tool, a fool or a mule", the fact is that there still exists in our country, small though the number may be, civic minded persons who are prepared to accept inadequate pay packages in the name of public service.
Some have expressed the view that Bratton's catchphrase has been taken out of context and is being given far more prominence than deserved. An appropriate retort might be that it was incumbent on the learned gentleman to ensure that he did not offend or insult people who take their duty to country seriously.Unless of course, all those in the audience who applauded upon hearing his remark are comfortable residing in one or more of his categories.
I am confident, however, that dedicated professionals such as teachers, nurses and other public servants who all deserve salary increases would more than likely have taken offence without compromising their positions that they are underpaid.As a former State Prosecutor in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, I know the hardship faced by honest and competent professionals who have decided that it is more important to work in the interest of justice than to fulfil their material needs.
And I am aware that to date, despite minimal increases over the years, the salaries of State Counsel remain woefully unacceptable. This is an urgent matter that must be addressed by the Salaries Review Commission.But why should any indictment be laid or derogatory remark made against professionals who are genuinely committed to service at all costs?
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