Old Harbour Bay Police Station Refurbished

The Old Harbour Bay police station in St. Catherine, has been refurbished at a cost of some $3 million.
Funding for the project, undertaken over a five-month period, was provided by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), through United Way of Jamaica. In addition to renovation of the building, the station was outfitted with equipment, inclusive of a microwave, refrigerator, computers, and a fax machine.
The refurbished facility was officially opened by National Security Minister, Senator Colonel Trevor MacMillan, during a ceremony on Thursday (August 14).
Speaking at the function, Col. MacMillan thanked the JPS for displaying “good corporate spirit,” by funding the project.
“The gesture symbolises strong patriotism, and reflects another of your contributions to the fight against crime, so rampant in our society. Your example is a shining one to follow by others in corporate Jamaica, which have not yet joined forces in this important cause,” he said.
The Minister also praised the police officers for exercising patience, while the station was being renovated. During the period, the officers were relocated to the nearby Old Harbour police station.
According to the National Security Minister, the Government was committed to improving the physical condition under which policemen and women carry out their duties.
“We have demonstrated this commitment by setting aside $100 million to refurbish police stations, and $800 million for the building of new stations across the island,” he outlined.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jevene Bent, who represented the Commissioner of Police at the event, challenged the Old Harbour Bay residents to be the “watch dog” for the police station, by ensuring that it was clean and that quality service was provided by the police.
Deputy Commissioner Bent, also implored the officers to work with the residents in executing the community-based policing programme. Community policing has been embraced by the Jamaica Constabulary Force(JCF), as a means of establishing closer ties with citizens in a collaborative effort to fight crime.
“I’ve had my discussions since coming here with the staff, you’re upbeat, you know what is expected of you and I am expecting that you will execute it with professionalism, trust, confidence, and work with the community,” she said.
Earlier, the Minister, accompanied by senior officials of the JCF and the Portmore Municipal Council, toured several police stations in that section of the parish. These included stations at Bridgeport, Waterford, Caymanas Gardens, and Greater Portmore.
The party also participated in a dedication ceremony at the Greater Portmore Police Station, which was refurbished as a part of the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) Inmates Public Work Project.