The narrative in respect of the tragedy at Sept-Cascades, when two young privates of our not-so-called army met with death, reads like a blunder waiting to happen. When the death of those young men was announced, the whole country joined in mourning the grieving families. But what has transpired since is a cause for worry. Not only because the two who died were trained swimmers, but also because those who were there training with them – presumably the trainers should be more talented in swimming - were unable to rescue them.

The Inspector who was in charge has been arrested for Involuntary Homicide and his role seems to have been a cover up But the Justice system will have to unravel what really happened and who is to bear the blame for the death, if at all any one is to blame. But something has to be blamed and it is the system which allows a man of only 30 years of age to reach the Grade of Inspector.

Without in any way diminishing the extraordinary talent and competence of that Inspector, it is unseemly that veteran officers like Tuyau only hold the rank of Chief Inspector when young recruits so nimbly ascend the promotion ladder.

The very struggle being waged at present by the Police is the setting up of a Trade Union or a similar organisation and the major thrust thereof is to fight for the rights to equality of treatment and fairness for all Police Officers. The public is aware that the Police is rife with complaints about Officers having to wait for years to be promoted after they have passed their examinations, grievances about the conduct of examinations or other acts of the Police management like punitive transfers designed to send the signal that the best way to advance in the Force is to keep quiet and not to ruffle any feathers of those who matter.

No body or institution can perform unless basic rules of fairness and equality of opportunity prevail. When those who are committed and carry out their functions consider that they stand no chance of advancement for reasons which remain obscure, there is no other alternative than to promote a Union that can fi ght on their behalf. The perception is that the system operates in such a way that the person who leads the fight is the fi rst target. Belonging to a Trade Union should be the most normal of things and no one should feel that there will be any sanction against them by any public body on account of being a member of a trade union. This country which has the best Constitution with all safeguards must uphold it and give confi dence to everyone that there will be no punitive measure by a public body, simply because of trade union membership or challenging that particular body’s decision. People must have courage to stand up for their rights. Otherwise no one will stand up for them or their rights.

A system which allows for some people to cascade into fast track promotion and destroys the career prospects of others who are equally or more meritorious is rotten.