Yvonne Mosquito Interference or Witch Hunt

The working relationship between the Police and Crime Commissioner for the west Midlands David Jamieson and his Deputy Yvonne Mosquito has been a matter of some speculation over the past few months, which has been reportedly strained to the extent where he failed to endorse her as his Deputy/Running mate in the forthcoming elections on 5th May.

This was then followed by the shock suspension on 23rd march 2016 of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Yvonne Mosquito who is also long standing Labour Birmingham City councillor.

The rationale given by Mr Jamieson the Labour PCC was that following a visit to the bereaved family of a high profile murder inquiry, in a private capacity in order to pay her respects, he claims to have received a letter of complaint from a high ranking officer alleging interference in Police operational matters.

This was then further compounded by the PCC releasing detailed information regarding the rationale in his decision-making process to the media, hence, commencing trial by media.

The African & Caribbean Community following a packed public meeting at the African Caribbean Millennium centre in Winson green |Birmingham pledged their unanimous support for Mrs Mosquito to the extent where it was resolved that three mains demands were:

1. The Lifting of the unjustified suspension.
2. Mr Jamieson to tender a public apology.
3. Mr Jamieson should resign and step aside for re-election.

It has been discovered that Mr Jamieson in fact did not receive a written complaint as previously reported, to the extent where it has also discovered that he acted arbiterally, without even consulting his Chief Executive, nor the Local Police and Crime Panel and more importantly without a discussion with his Deputy, who it is understood was suspended by a hastily drafted email.

It is apparent that Mr Jamieson has no knowledge of African & Caribbean culture, where an individual no matter who they may be has freedom, to visit a bereaved family, as a fellow human being and in this case with Mrs Mosquito being an ordained Minister in order to pay their respects.

May be he should have taken time speak to his deputy prior to rushing to judgement.

Clearly, this matter must raise questions regarding the motivations of the Police and Crime Commissioner in terms of his ability to hold such as key office by failing to follow procedures in his decision making, in this case to the extent where he has commenced a trial by media of his Deputy, following the common knowledge that he intended to dispense with her services following the elections. Furthermore, it raises the matter of understanding and appreciating the cultural diversity of the West Midlands, after all he spent most of his previous Political life on the South Coast, where diversity is less lacking. One must question is it a case of jumping too quickly and why?

Yet again this raises the all important question of Black representation to the extent of those that do make it to the decision making tables at times, are sought to be removed from office by those with what can only be described as highly concerning and questionable agenda’s, which always work to the detriment of our community.

This matter has highlighted the need for us as a community to start thinking outside the box, as it is clearly demonstrated that we are not being taken seriously by those that have our traditional support as it appears to be a case of total disrespect to attempt to ruin a Black politician that has serve the Birmingham community loyally for the past 20 years.

An online petition has commenced along with a series of static protests in Birmingham the latest that took place on Saturday 23rd April in Victoria Square Birmingham, which was successful in raising awareness and building support for this injustice that is facing not only Yvonne Mosquito, but. Also our Community in many realms of public life.

The third protest will take place on Friday 29th April 12noon – 2pm outside the temporary offices of the police and crime Commissioner Aqua House Lionel Street Birmingham.

Cleary the question of equality, fairness, justice and black representation should be on any election agenda and this is an opportunity to ensure that we are heard and it should be demanded that these are addressed and not just brushed under the carpet.

There comes a time when enough is enough and we need to take a stand in order to ensure that we as a community as respected as many politicians do forget at time the contributions, sacrifices and support they have enjoyed over the years from our Community. One can only conclude that in terms of Black representation we will need to reconsider our loyalties in order to send a clear message to those who seek to promote us on one hand and continually oppress us on the other, just as Yvonne Mosquito in this case.

This matter is currently being investigated, we await the what may turn out to be interesting findings.

Desmond Jaddoo