Some Jamaicans were left puzzled Monday when it was announced that Deputy Commissioner George Quallo was appointed the chief constable over Assistant Commissioner Novelette Grant.
Grant, who had been acting in the position since January when Dr Carl Williams stepped down from the post, was viewed as frontrunner for the chief constable position.
Jamaicans — who thought Grant was doing a good job — were floored by news of Quallo’s appointment, even though he never applied for the job, and they took to social media to express their disappointment.
“So what happen to the female that was doing the job so well… sigh?” Keshan Parkins wrote on Facebook.
“Same thing me a wonder too. I think they always underestimate the power of a woman and she was doing a good job,” Sasthia Grant responded. “We not family though not because we have the same surname.”
“Congratulations sir,” Joy Love wrote, “but hope you guys realise that this ‘male dominated’ thing is getting outdated. Females need to be given a chance as well as in this field they have to work ten times as hard just to prove themselves.”
Love added: “Men just simply get through because they are men. Females apply and then are being told, ‘we don’t have any female activities going on for training recruitment so just apply elsewhere until we call you’, yet they have training going multiple times per year. May God keep and use you to help His people.”
“Do I know him??? No… Was thinking maybe they would have given the female acting commissioner. Anyway, congratulations sir… Wishing you all the best and what you have to contribute for a better Jamaica,” said Trudy Evabless Mclarty-Smikle.
However, some believe that Grant hadn’t been effective acting in the post.
“Was doin’ what well? What has changed since she was in the position… ohhhh yea, you’re a woman… How could I forget that also, #TypicalFeminist,” wrote Paul Di Fortisian.
At the same time, a number of congratulatory messages were posted for the 40-year vet of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Congratulations I pray the good Lord gives you the strength and wisdom to curtail all kind of crimes with the help of the hard working policemen and women. God bless,” posted Shawnee Reynolds.