Communication Among Security Forces and Correctional Services Boosted

Inter-communication capability among the security forces and correctional services are being beefed up to provide for more operational efficiency and service delivery.
Cabinet this week approved the award of a contract by the Ministry of National Security in the sum of US$1,437,282 to Motorola Incorporated, for the supply of radios and accessories for the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and the Department of Correctional Services.
Transportation and Works Minister, and Chairman of the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee, Michael Henry, in making the announcement at Wednesday’s(March 4 ) post Cabinet press briefing, said that the supply of radios, which includes portable, mobile, and control base stations, complements the previous expenditure of US$14.5 million to procure the JCF Wireless Communication Network.
Meanwhile, as the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), seeks to expand its tractor service across the island, a contract, totalling $30,200,407 was approved for the supply of 10 four-cylinder rubber wheel tractors, which will be deployed to six parishes. Kingston Industrial Agencies Limited will supply the equipment, which will assist farmers in the reduction of land preparation costs, and help to increase productivity.
Plans for a community centre in the troubled community of Flanker, St. James are being advanced, with the approval of a $42,889,610 contract by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), to Share Construction Limited, for the execution of that project.
The centre is expected to address some of the problems associated with violence affecting the community. It is expected that 7,148 residents of Flanker and 1,500 from neighbouring communities, will benefit directly from the project, Mr. Henry said.
Cabinet also took note of the award of contracts by the Ministry of Health and Environment, using emergency procurement procedures, to secure urgently needed small equipment and supplies for hospitals and health centres, as part of the implementation of the abolition of user fees policy last April.