Gov’t committed to safer, healthier working environment for police – PM

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is committed to creating a safer, healthier and more secure working environment for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

He said that the Government values the “tremendous contribution” of the members of the force and recognises the immense challenges that they face.

“As part of the Government’s focus on the rule of law, public security and crime reduction, a number of initiatives to enhance and bolster the effectiveness and efficiency of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has been undertaken… $2 billion has been set aside for the upgrading of police stations,” Holness said.

“To date, $662 million has been committed, and of that, $450 million has been spent,” he noted.

The Prime Minister was addressing the official opening of the Port Antonio Police Station and Portland Police Divisional Headquarters on Friday, July 24.

The project, initially estimated to cost $104 million, has come in under budget at approximately $91.8 million.

It included demolition and reconstruction of the existing building to include the divisional headquarters, living quarters and a cell area; upgrading of fencing; paving and marking of the courtyard; new appliances for the kitchen, such as a refrigerator and stove for officers who reside on the premises.

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area 2, Elbert Nelson, said that the Port Antonio Police is pleased to see “this beautiful transformation”.

“I assure you that the men and women are indeed motivated and we are very grateful,” he said.

“We will take pride in this beautiful edifice that has been prepared for us and we will do you proud as a police force, particularly here in Portland,” he added.

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