‘Don’t call me, let the Police do their job’ – Phillips sends strong message to influential figures

Acting President and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has urged public officials and persons of influence to lead by example and stop meddling in the work of traffic ranks, warning that such interference weakens efforts to make the country’s roads safer.

He was speaking on Friday at the official opening of Road Safety Month 2025, where he reminded that accountability and respect for law enforcement must begin at the top.

According to the Acting President, a key obstacle to safer roads is the tendency of influential figures to pressure police officers into releasing traffic offenders. “We cannot expect discipline in our streets if we keep undermining the people enforcing the law,” he cautioned.

Phillips shared that he is often contacted by friends and relatives who seek his intervention after being stopped by police officers for breaking traffic rules, but he refuses to entertain such requests.

“I get the calls, but I tell them no. The police have their job to do,” he said, noting that he recently had to remind a younger family member that officers have full authority to act as they see fit in such cases.

He recounted that when that relative attempted to hand the phone to the officer, he took the opportunity to encourage the rank directly: “I told him, don’t be intimidated. Handle the matter as you think best.”

The Prime Minister said he intends to keep sending that message clearly and consistently. “People know how I operate, don’t call me for that. If you break the law, face the consequence.”

He went on to challenge his colleagues in high office and other leaders in society to adopt a similar approach. “When those in power refuse to interfere, it sends the right signal and strengthens road discipline,” he stated.