JCF programme helps teen rise from hardships

District Constable Mario Davis was a proud man as he helped to lead a group of cadets demonstrate their marching skills during a ceremony at the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) Harman Barracks headquarters in Kingston on Wednesday.

Davis, 18, shared that he had a difficult upbringing and endured many hungry days. Often he attended school without lunch money or bus fare. He also shared that he was unable to reach his full potential in high school due to poverty. But the determined teen managed to secure four passing grades after attempting to sit nine Caribbean Examinations Council subjects. Depressed and unsure about his next step, the former St Mary's College student said he saw a learning programme that was being advertised by the JCF on social media. The programne, organised by the JCF's Cadet Academy, focuses on unattached youth. Davis, who said that he was determined to beat poverty and create a positive future for himself and his family, applied and got enrolled in September 2021. Twelve months later he graduated from the programme with high marks, while obtaining professional certificates in project management, technical support and cybersecurity. He later matriculated into the force. He is now an instructor and administrator at the Cadet Academy.

On Wednesday, he was almost brought to tears moments after successfully leading his group in front of the JCF hierarchy including Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson and other dignitaries. He told THE STAR that as he belted out instructions to the cohort of marching JCF hopefuls, he began to think about his own journey and struggles.

"It is a wonderful experience to come from a humble beginning and to be here is truly amazing," he said.

"I grew up without a father, my mother has four children and she had a lot of ups and downs raising us. I am from Red Hills, Belvedere, in St Andrew, and it is rough. We all came here as a test and from some backgrounds that did not promise us a bright future. But the Jamaica Constabulary Force provided that opportunity for us to get education and experience in the work environment," Davis added.

He said that the programme has also helped to sharpen him as a person and to enhance his skills in computing and coding. He also learned music.

"I learn to play the trumpet, piano and drum here. The programme also gave us life lessons to be firm and strong," he added.

At Wednesday's ceremony, 61 ICT devices worth more than $6 million were handed over to the JCF by the Universal Service Fund to boost the efficiency at select police stations, as well as training capacity at the National Police College of Jamaica. Energy and Technology Minister, Daryl Vaz, explained that the devices will provide officers with access to critical information and communication tools in real time, thus enabling them to perform better.

Davis echoed the minister's sentiments before declaring that he was hoping to have a long and fruitful relationship with the JCF as a repayment for the hope and clarity that he has received from the organisation.

"My life would not have been as promising as how I wanted it to be now if I didn't join the JCF. I think I would have a lot of difficulties before solving the problems later down the line, which would have taken a lot of years. I want to stand out in everything I do, so I am trying to be different in everything. If you were here during the days, you would see how I interact with my cadets and that is because I can relate to their journey. So I want to repay the JCF with a long and successful career. I want to be a respected police officer," he said.