Ministry of National Security awards scholarships to children of Police Officers

Fifty (50) young persons attending a number of tertiary institutions in Jamaica were this afternoon presented with scholarships awarded to them by the Ministry of National Security and Police Federation.
The scholarships are awarded to children of police personnel in three categories: those killed in the line of duty, those who were injured/disabled while on the job, and serving members.
The scholarships are valued at One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars each per year during the duration of the course of study at any approved tertiary institution.
Minister of National Security, Derrick Smith, who addressed the awards ceremony, said efforts will be made to increase incrementally, the number of scholarships awarded each year.
Mr. Smith lauded the joint effort between the Ministry of National Security and the Police Federation to assist in the education of the children of police personnel, and gave the commitment that the programme will continue.
The National Security Minister made an appeal to the scholarship recipients to consider joining the Jamaica Constabulary Force in the future; however he told them that the force they are being asked to join will not be the Constabulary Force that presently exists.
Mr. Smith said the force that now exists needs improvement, and his administration is committed to improving the organisation, not only in terms of the development of individuals through increased training, but also improvement at the level of earnings of individuals within the JCF.
He added that there will be improvements in working conditions, noting that within a few weeks, repair work will start on some police stations.
In congratulating the scholarship recipients, Minister Smith also commended their parents and guardians noting the importance of their roles and responsibilities in guiding the students through the educational system and setting good examples for them.
The minister noted that poor parenting has been identified as one of the contributing factors to youngsters going in the wrong direction and developing anti-social behaviour.
Mr. Smith also pointed to the mix of male and female students, saying he was heartened at this showing as it is well known there is a tremendous imbalance of males and females at the tertiary level.