Code Secret

One of the highest classifications used by the Ministry of National Security to indicate the level of confidentiality of highly sensitive documents is SECRET! This is normally placed at strategic points throughout the document. Sometimes it may be in red. 

 Nevertheless the classification indicates that only authorized individuals should have access to such documents and under no circumstances should there have cause for its publication to unauthorized individuals. This is essential for the effectiveness of national security operations especially those involving transnational organized crime.

Indeed it is well known that there are foreign law enforcement agents operating in Jamaica. Frequently they provide technical and logistic assistance to their Jamaican counterparts. For example, they may be involved in "sting operations", fugitive apprehension and counter narco-terrorism activities. It has been a feature of small independent countries to enter into "secret" arrangements between the more powerful and technologically superior states. Indeed there is even the arrangement where the captured bounty is shared. 

It is of paramount importance that the confidentiality of such arrangements is not compromised by unauthorized publication of the details of such bi-lateral relationships.  The classification has to be respected by both countries and forms the context in which future relationships are struck in the area of national security.

In most countries, there are criminal sanctions for those found guilty of unauthorized possession of classified documents. 

• Will the Manatt COE investigate the presence of highly confidential information at the headquarters of the Presidential Click?
• Will the Manatt COE investigate the persons within the JLP who facilitated the unauthorized sharing of information with journalists in a certain media house?
• Will the persons be held accountable for what must be regarded as a criminal act?

Don't hold your breath!