Ghetto youth overcomes gritty upbringing to join JCF - Graduates as top marksman in his batch

As a child growing up in the inner-city community of De La Vega in Spanish Town, St Catherine, Jean-Claude Silvera was constantly exposed to the harsh realities of crime and violence.

Tragically, at age 19, he experienced the devastating loss of his aunt and cousin, both killed just hours apart. Despite the pervasive danger and temptation around him, Silvera chose not to be consumed by the same path of violence, and instead took his mother's words of wisdom to heart.

"Mi mother always tell mi seh 'Yuh nuh have to become a product of yuh environment', suh mi never mek it deter mi or affect who mi a guh become inna life," the 22-year-old told THE WEEKEND STAR. On Thursday, Silvera was one of 129 constables in Batch 155, who graduated from the National Police College in Spanish Town, St Catherine. In addition to this already great achievement, Silvera was awarded for Best Marksmanship, a testament to his dedication and skill. There to support him was his mother Andean Shaw, along with other proud family members and friends. As her son's name was announced, Shaw could be heard joyfully shouting his name, her face radiating with an unmistakable pride, reflecting the immense love and admiration she felt in that moment.

"Words really can't explain how proud I am of my son, despite all, God has got the victory," Shaw said with a bright smile. She also acknowledged the challenges her son would face on his new path, but told THE WEEKEND STAR that her faith remained steadfast.

"It is natural as a mom to worry or to fear, but I know how to pray and God will protect him," Shaw said.

Before joining the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Silvera was a student at the Caribbean Maritime University. However, he soon realised that the path wasn't the right fit for his personality or aspirations.

"I can't do a desk job, I want to be out in the field," he told the news team.

"Certain jobs a nuh really my style and I like this. Since mi come here, mi actually learn a lot about the world and mi get fi help people. Mi can actually help save lives, because even while doing on-the-job training, we see some people come with some situation at the station and we help dissolve the situation before it could escalate," Silvera explained.

His mother also said that she raised her son to be kind-hearted and compassionate, and expressed confidence that his character and values make him exactly what the JCF needs.

"My son is a loving son, he's a caring person because I teach him those things. So if him see you out there on the road, him won't abuse yuh because him know that you have to love first, because you don't know who is an angel that you will entertain," Shaw said.