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District Constables to Become Pensionable by April 1, 2016 – PM

By: , December 4, 2015

The Key Point:

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has announced that District Constables will become pensionable at the start of the new financial year on April 1, 2016.

The Facts

  • The Prime Minister made the well-received announcement during her keynote address at the 24th Annual General Conference of the United District Constables Association at the Cardiff Hotel & Spa, Runaway Bay, St. Ann on Wednesday, December 2.
  • The Prime Minister also disclosed that pay instructions have been issued to the Ministry of National Security for implementation.

The Full Story

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has announced that District Constables will become pensionable at the start of the new financial year on April 1, 2016. The Prime Minister made the well-received announcement during her keynote address at the 24th Annual General Conference of the United District Constables Association at the Cardiff Hotel & Spa, Runaway Bay, St. Ann on Wednesday, December 2.

Mrs. Simpson Miller told the gathering that “Cabinet has given approval for District Constables to be pensionable. Instructions have been given to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel to start work on amending the legislation to give effect to this decision.” The Prime Minister added that “work will have to be completed to ensure that the legislation is amended to reflect this change and this implementation date.”Additionally, as a result of attaining pensionable status, District Constables will be able to benefit from the Government’s Pensioner’s Only Administration Health Insurance Scheme.

Speaking on the matter of the payment of performance increments to District Constables in keeping with the 2012 to 2015 Heads of Agreement, the Prime Minister also disclosed that pay instructions have been issued to the Ministry of National Security for implementation.

The Prime Minister also saluted the men and women across Jamaica, who provide outstanding service to citizens and communities as District Constables.  “You continue to be a valuable asset in complementing the work of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Your work is one of the earliest examples of Community Policing, which is now a major feature of Policing strategy in Jamaica today,” she said.

Noting that protecting life and property can result in the ultimate sacrifice of losing one’s life, Mrs. Simpson Miller also paid tribute to the Constables who were injured or killed in the line of duty. “Today, I pay tribute to your fallen colleagues. I express my sincere condolences to their families and pray that God will give them strength, as the memories of their loved ones live on in their hearts.”

Emphasizing that her Administration remains focused on ensuring the safety and security of citizens and visitors, the Prime Minister asserted that preventing and reducing crime will require the support of all Jamaicans. “We recognize that crime is preventing us from achieving our full potential as a nation. It is robbing many of our citizens of the opportunity to achieve their dreams and ambitions.  However, preventing and reducing crime is not a job for the security forces alone. It is not a job for District Constables alone. It is not a job for the Government alone. It requires the collective efforts of every Jamaican who believes that Jamaican can be a better place,” the Prime Minister said.

Last Updated: December 4, 2015

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