PM Golding Says Good Time to Join the Force

Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding congratulated 291 constables at their passing out parade on April 29 and charged them to continue the strides being made by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Prime Minister Golding was the Reviewing Officer and keynote speaker at the police academy.

Giving his charge, Mr. Golding said, "You are joining the force at a time when the force is doing wonderful things to improve its capacity – its professionalism, to improve the level of trust between the police force and the people of Jamaica. You are going to have to advance this new exciting series of developments that are taking place."

Mr. Golding credited the recent advances of the force to the leadership of Commissioner Owen Ellington and he urged the constables to do their part to build the honour of the JCF.

The ceremony covered two batches of constables who were trained at either the Twickenham Park or the Tranquility Bay campuses. Attending were Minister of National Security, Dwight Nelson, civic leaders from St. Catherine and St. Elizabeth and more than 1,000 well wishers. In his remarks, the Deputy Commandant of the JPA, Superintendent Merrick Watson said, "We are asking you that you don't only support these people today, but continue when they leave here to go into for the nooks and crannies of Jamaica to deliver a professional police service."

Chief Force Chaplain and Commandant of the JPA, Bishop Gary Welsh, led a blessing supported by other members of the clergy. To the delight of the audience, the new constables closed the ceremony with a drill set to the theme song from Rocky, The Eye of the Tiger.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Community Safety and Security, Mr James Forbes; and Deputy Superintendent of Police, Community Safety and Security, Ms Stephanie Lindsay served as narrators. Parade music was performed by the JCF Band and also the Island Special Constabulary Force Corps of Drums. The Magnificent Troopers marching band from Spanish Town performed a prelude parade.

Issued by: The Office of the Prime Minister