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Pot-Bellied Police, Step Up! Says Hon. Singh
posted (July 9, 2010)
And while Doug Singh is already making headlines as party chairman - his comments as Police Minister were also provocative - especially his harsh criticism of senior police with senior potbellies.

If you missed it, here are those remarks:

Doug Singh, Minister of Police
"I look at senior police officers with their guts hanging out and I say that literally, out of shape, overweight, they inspire nobody. I think that's a problem in the BDF too, they inspire no one. They need to have a sense of discipline and practice that sense of discipline. We need to get a proper police gym and hold them accountable for their performance in particular the senior people who look like they have no discipline on how they consume food or personal attire. I think these are things, if they don't feel that way about themselves, then how can they expect anybody to feel that way about them? And it starts there."

Well, it seems Singh's remarks peeved some police officers. He notes as much in an email he sent this afternoon to Inspector Mario Alcoser who is in charge of the Police information department - meaning that he is to forward the mail to all officers.

It's such an odd mail that we had to confirm that it was authentic. But it's the real thing alright, and in it, Singh acknowledges that his remarks may have caused some police officers to feel disrespected. To that, Singh says, quote: "I trust that you all will understand that my comments were not intended to be personal but just an observation of the facts..."

He adds that he is committed to ensuring that police have a gym, and in the interim he will make arrangements at a local gym for officers who, quote: "wish to employ a more disciplined lifestyle for both their personal health and that of this department."

But here's the kicker: Singh says quote, "On a lighter note I am prepared to offer a friendly challenge to any officer with the gut affliction who feels personally aggrieved by my comments. I challenge any such person to an exercise which will include running two miles, 75 push ups, 25 chin ups - all to be completed in a 30 minute period."

Singh adds, quote: "At my tender age of 47 I will also subject myself to the same challenge and should anyone successfully complete the challenge they will receive my public apology and a monetary prize."

So the challenge has been thrown down and we'll wait and see if any of the potbellied police have the "stomach" to take on their minister.

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