COMMENTARY: Calypsonian, an Officer and a Gentleman

Officer Jno Baptiste – Checko

How does one in Dominica today balance being a progressive calypsonian, police officer, independent thinker, and true patriot? It’s not easy by any measure but that is just what a 23-year veteran of the Police Force named Mr. Abel Jno Baptiste, ‘Checko’, has done.  In 2012, he burst on the national calypso scene with popular songs that contain thought provoking content with hot pulsating rhythms. His (Mighty) Chalkdust-like lyrics push the boundaries of free speech much to the chagrin of many in high places.

 

Officer Jno Baptiste: ‘Checko’

Checko’s calypso journey began in 2011 when he was the first runner-up in the Southeast Carnival Calypso competition in La Plaine with his song ‘Buy’ (‘By’) 2’. The song referred to the ‘declared’ winner of the La Plaine constituency in the 2009 General Elections. The ruling party’s candidate won by two (2) votes after a controversial recount.

On election day about 80-125 Diaspora Dominicans from the La Plaine constituency were air-lifted on expense-free excursions. They flooded the polling stations and voted for the ruling party. Today this practice has become a much larger troubling geo-political issue and has come under intense scrutiny. Some contend that has a far-reaching national security implication for Dominica, the region, and the western world if that operation continues unabated.  To this end, many people are left to wonder when Justice Byron will release his much anticipated and long overdue electoral reform report.

As a newcomer in 2012, Checko made it all the way to the competitive carnival finals with the song “Am …Pm’ and another song which became very controversial. The songs were masked brilliantly and neatly package into strong social and political commentary. That year he also won the Stardom Tent and the Southeast King with the song ‘I write’.  In 2014, he captured the Police Calypso competition with his hard-hitting song, ‘Oh Henry’. In 2019 he registered a big hit which was composed by Pat Aaron; “Take out the Tief” (teeth).

He said that despite the issues which confronted him he always puts God first and is not daunted by the challenges.  Checko continued by saying, “God has been my inspiration and I take it from there and to those who have rallied around me I am thankful.” Despite it all he continues to sing and As Checko’s next door neighbour in the La Plaine Valley, this writer allows took the opportunity to seek wise counsel and converse with his late dad.  Sgt. Gabriel (Gabe) Jno-Baptiste lamented on numerous occasions with his voice laced with hurt and anger how poorly he was treated by the Force in addition to being passed up for promotion many times. He spent 32 years as a corporal before he was promoted to Sergeant. Ironically his son is experiencing a similar fate of discriminatory actions by commanders and others in authority.

In 2019, Officer Jno Baptiste was dismissed from the bike unit and his motorcycle and service firearm were taken from him.  Interestedly, in 2018 he was awarded the officer of the year in the Traffic Department by the police welfare association. He was next in line for a promotion spot which was vacant in Traffic, but that opportunity was given to a much younger and lesser experience officer. Instead, Mr. Jno Baptiste was transferred from Roseau to Calibishie, a village in the far north-east.

Was he victimized and punished for being with an outspoken group of officers who protested for salary increases in 2019?  What other reasons for his abhorrent treatment other than using all measures possible to frustrate the officer? What isn’t the other prolific police calypsonian who was promoted to Inspector a couple of years ago subjected to the same ill treatment? Is this another prime example of the utmost abuse of power, and petty partisan politics?

And how does Mr. Jno Baptiste cope with the all the stress and unfair treatment on the job and does it affect his ability to be the best cop he can be? His response was, “I do not meddle in partisan politics but as a Christian family man and patriot, I let my conscience be my guide and let God take care of the rest.”

Former Police Commissioner Mathias Lestrade was instrumental in the recruitment of Abel to the force. The retired commissioner said, “Sgt. Gabe was one of my mentors before I left La Plaine. He encouraged me to join the Force in the late 60s. His son is an all-rounded officer who is a disciplined family man with deep Christian values.”

The residents of the St. Joseph Police District where the office is now stationed should feel better that their streets are patrolled by a man who honors his oath to serve and protect. We await with bated breath for Constable Jno Baptiste’s promotion and coronation as Carnival King.  Lord knows he deserves at least one of the two.

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16 Comments

  1. JAH KAL
    March 19, 2022

    BRO bran new topic for a great caiso Skerrit Loreen Bannis signing diplomatic ties with Syria .Waiting for that one.

  2. mine
    March 18, 2022

    He is singing for UWP, he will be Calypso king and police Chief whenever they win.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 16
    • JAH KAL
      March 18, 2022

      Yes to arrest those thogs and criminal that’s in the police force and to take out all those rotten teeth that’s in the government.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
  3. Ibo France
    March 18, 2022

    TRUTH is like vinegar. It is good for many things but it does not attract flies. If you don’t want many friends around you just talk the TRUTH. Tell the TRUTH then run for your life. People prefer to hear sweet lies than the TRUTH.

    We live in a post TRUTH world. Especially in these times, and more particularly in Dominica where lies get you jobs, positions and promotions in the public sector that are undeserving. Truth, competence and efficiency are overlooked and even scoffed at.

    Why do you think Dominica is in derriere position in the OECS? Why is public sector so dysfunctional and productivity within so low? Too many square pegs are in round holes throughout the public sector. Nowhere this is more conspicuous than the ‘Police Force’.

    If you are a drain sweeper and you want to be Chief of Police, go through the length and breath of Dominicans and say – ‘Skerrit is God’.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 4
  4. Lin clown
    March 18, 2022

    It’s crooks and traitors like him the reason the force is what it is today.They sellout informants and put the police in danger by ratting out of an impending search.Just look who they hangout with,drug dealers,drunks,habitual criminals,rogues,vagabonds murders,arsonists,money launderers and assaulters of Archbishops and Bishops.King should ask Dominicans what they think about the police today a bunch of clock,cot and calender police.If Cheko was discipline he would be burdened with a $130,000 lawsuit.The police welfare association and the calypso association should help him pay the suit.Cheko is a very close friend of mines.UWP is poison

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 3 Thumb down 27
    • Ibo France
      March 18, 2022

      Lie clown, are you and Dog Litter Siamese twins? Looks as though both of you are joined at the head and share the same brain. Anyone who happens to speak truth to power is automatically subjected to your uncommon fury. Fortunately, only likeminded people ( the scums of the earth) approve your vitriol and asininity.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 3
  5. Bwa-Banday
    March 18, 2022

    Hold strong my bro Checko. In our society today there are many who were rejected and eventually turned out to be the head corner stone. I dare say if you were a skirt wearing officer that carried news to some in the cabal and garbadine squad upstairs HQ you would have long been an Inspector….not Corporal. At least Jeff Drigo is a Corporal (the last time I saw him) but both of you should have been inspectors.

    If this would make you feel better, there are no police officers that have been victimized like Sgt. Betrand P and ASP. Weeks C yet they continue to serve without fear, favor, malice or ill-will. Just maybe if you start dressing with skirt, carry news, change your name to Sweet Chocolate and agree to drop on your knews to perform the snake eating ritual that long deserved propmotion will come. 8) 8) 8)

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 4
  6. March 18, 2022

    Cheko my brother you are not the only one who has suffered at the hands of “unscrupulous men and women who have lost their reason” the list is long but not limited; and two such persons immediately come to mind Philibert (Alpe) Alfred and Gabriel (Butcher) St Jean; the latter was known for his bravery, dedication and leadership qualities, yet we see persons who spend their entire carriers being political parasites some even hosting political talk shows being elevated to the highest echelon of the CDPF. Walk with your head held high bro, knowing that you are serving according to the Oath of office that you swore too, “without favor or affection malice or ill will”; Good luck my brother and hold strong, your commitment is to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica “”remember that no man is an island”.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 2
  7. Lin clown
    March 18, 2022

    BS,everybody know Cheko is not supporter of the government and he say’s so openly.Police is also the military arm of Dominica,who promotes a man without discipline,and who does not obey orders,openly critizing his commanding officer..Victimization is when the ruling party between 1995 and 2000,dismissed the commissioner,his deputy and six police officers and accused them of being involved in drugs.The political party Cheko supports was and is the
    first and only party to use their finger to look for prostate glands.There are household police names who never got the promotion they deserved.Cheko is special to King because he is a supporter of UWP

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 3 Thumb down 26
  8. Zandoli
    March 18, 2022

    Checko should have known he would stall his career if he started singing calypsos that did not glorify the deal leader. But that is nothing new.

    My uncle was a cop back in the 70s and he was not a Patrick John supporter. Being the person that he is, it was obvious to any anyone who would listen that he did not support Labor. Our family was a Freedom house.

    Realizing he would never get promoted, he “publicly” started saying good things about PJ. Soon thereafter, he got promoted. He was no better or no worse an officer before he started pretending to be a DLP supporter. But he never voted for DLP.

    That is the state of politics in DA.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 3
  9. FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY
    March 18, 2022

    If ever you’re in search of anecdotal evidence of nepotism and cronyism alive and kicking in Dominica’s institutions or public sector services then look no further than Police Officer Mr. Abel (aka Checko) Jno Baptiste, to find it.

    “Do not be overcome by EVIL, but overcome EVIL with good (Romans: 12:21(“

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 2
  10. Dr. Sam
    March 17, 2022

    Dr. Finn, this biography is one your most outstanding tributes to man of courage and committed to duty. Excellent job Sir!

    Checko is a veteran at the artform. Officer Abel Jno. Baptiste has long been an asset for the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force. His humility and leadership is a lesson in wholesome patriotism. Checko truly excites and inspires Dominicans at home and abroad.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 3
  11. JAH KAL
    March 17, 2022

    Bro don’t worry with them you a the first one they will send and arrest them. You are one of the best in that force you know your job that’s what they know keep on doing your thing they cannot fire you more reason to write great calypso.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 2
  12. Son of the Old Police
    March 17, 2022

    Very well done Dr. Finn. This is fine tribute to an honest public servant and brilliant calysonian. One day Checko will help us extract all the rotten teeth in the Dominica police service. It is clear that Checko is a brave and honest man. His type is lacking in the state apparatus from the top to the bottom. Time that the bad teeth in our leadership are pulled before the whole island goes rotten and dies of septic shock.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 4
    • Bwa-Banday
      March 20, 2022

      I can’t wait for your prediction to come true my friend. In the meantime, I beg all level thinking Dcans to start manufacturing/ making ” Ukranian Booziis” because as soon as we gather at nights for peaceful protest/ meeting they will take lights and you will need that “Ukranian Boozii” to light your path home to victory. 8) 8)

      For Dca to grow the conman PM and his Domligarchs must go and that is sooner rather than later.

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