The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

COMMISSIONER of Police Ellison Greenslade yesterday denied tabloid rumours claiming Superintendent Clayton Fernander was involved with criminals and that his police-issued weapon jammed the night that he was attacked.

Speaking to the press, Commissioner Greenslade said he needed to clear up the “nonsense” that has been circulating in some sections of the media since the night Supt Fernander was shot at point blank range outside his home.

“Floating in the press for a few days, in various spheres, were reports of Mr Fernander reaching for a gun, the gun jamming, police officers being targeted and stuff like that.

“That is nonsense, absolute nonsense. It is intended to cause problems. It is nonsense. This is one lie I will not let go.

“I am not prepared to do this but it is the one time I will do this. I am not prepared to speak for anyone in this community with a criminal reputation or lie on them. The commissioner will not do that,” he said.

“But there is a young man, whose name has been surfacing around, alias Smokey. He said I can say it so I will – Die Stubbs as well. They have done nothing in respect to this and I am not prepared to tell a lie.

“Mr Fernander had nothing to do with them and they had nothing to do with him and I have no information to suggest that he or any police officer was targeted.

“I have given you the facts. I have a duty of care to our people and when I purchase weapons, I purchase best of breed. Police officers’ weapons do not jam. I will say it again – police officers weapons do not jam.

“That does not make any sense at all, it is totally divorced from the truth, I have no information about that.”

Mr Greenslade also said Supt Fernander will find out on Thursday whether or not some of his fingers are to be amputated.

“I have spoken to him several times and I have I have gotten personal statements from him as to how he feels. He is strong, each day he is getting stronger.

“He is conscious of the fact that he has a long way to go. No amputations have taken place and we are hoping and praying that none will take place. Doctors here in New Providence did an extremely good job in sewing together those fingers and that palm and trying to keep it together with bandages.

“He has followed the instructions of his doctors dutifully and the doctors in Florida have been working in concert with his doctors here to ensure that he follows meticulously the instructions that are given.”

Supt Fernander was airlifted to Florida for treatment for gunshot wounds he suffered in an attempted robbery last Wednesday.

He was shot multiple times in the chest and right arm just as he arrived at his home on St Vincent Road.

Two men have been charged in connection with the shooting.