Commissioner of Police Scholarship Programme Benefits 54 Students

Fifty-four students from across the island were awarded scholarships through the annual Commissioner of Police Scholarship Programme, on Friday, September 21, to assist with their back-to-school expenses. This year the scholarship fund is valued at more than $850,000.
Speaking at the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) headquarters on Old Hope Road, where the presentations took place, Commissioner of Police, Lucius Thomas said that the scholarship programme was a “manifestation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s commitment to collaborate with the people of this country.”
He informed the recipients that their presence was a significant reminder to the entire country that there was another side to the Police, other than what is often seen and heard, and added that there was no better group to start community involvement with, than with young people.
“I strongly believe that by engaging with the young people of Jamaica, we lay the platform for better police-citizen relationship in the future,” he reasoned.
Mr. Thomas emphasized that, “when these bonds are forged at an early age, they over time, grow strong and lead to a better understanding of the work of the police and most importantly, lead to better co-operation between the police and citizens.”
Every year the JCF awards scholarships valued at $10,000 and $15,000 to financially challenged students who have done well in their GSAT examinations as well as to secondary school students who have maintained at least an 85 per cent average. However, for this year the amount has been increased to $25,000 each. A special grant of $166,000 has also been awarded to one student who will be attending the University of Technology.
The scholarship programme, which is in its 10th year, is a part of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) community police relations.
Mr. Thomas said he hoped that all the recipients not only value the financial help, but use the assistance given to propel them they pursue their career goals and objectives.
He also urged all the recipients to give of their best and to be disciplined in everything that they do. “Study and study well, play and play hard, but in all that you do, remember that nothing worthwhile can be achieved without proper discipline,” he encouraged.
The Commissioner explained that discipline was an integral factor in the process of selection. “I urge the recipients to understand that they are a select group who have emerged from a thorough and demanding selection process, where first and foremost, need and discipline were used as the primary elements for final selection,” he explained.
All 52 schools went through a vigorous selection process where the school record of the candidates, their individual needs and their disciplinary records were examined. “I am extremely happy with the entire process and the final selection of candidates who will receive the assistance,” the Commissioner said.
Since its inception, approximately 140 students between 10 and 14 years old from 19 police divisions have benefited from this scholarship programme.
In the meantime, the Commissioner pointed out that he was extremely proud of the work his officers have been engaged in with the young people through the Police Youth Club and, as such, he was urging young people to join youth clubs.
“For years, policemen and women have given freely of their time, working with the youth and slowly but surely, we are seeing and reaping the benefits. I ask the young people of this country to join youth clubs and play their part in the building of this nation,” he said.
Special provisions were made for candidates who were members of Police Youth Clubs.