PM Bruce Golding Honours Police Killed Over Past Year

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, read the first lesson at the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Commemorative and Memorial Church Service, that was held in memory of the 20 members of the Force who were killed between December 2007 and November 2008.
The service was held at the Boulevard Baptist Church in Kingston, one of four held simultaneously across the island under the theme, “Serving the Community…Preserving the Legacy.” The second lesson from Romans was read by a representative of the Leader of the Opposition.
Following the service, divisions of the JCF performed a march pass on Washington Boulevard, which was viewed by the Prime Minister, who stood at attention throughout. The divisions on parade included the Water Police, Cavalry and Motorised Patrol. Bringing Greetings, Minister of National Security, Senator Col Trevor MacMillan, recalled the policeman’s priority as “The safety of the public; but your valour should not go unnoticed”. He exhorted them to “Be not weary. Your task is critical to nation building.”
The Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, said that the Force “remained committed and steadfast” and that they will continue to keep to their core values to earn the respect and support of the citizens. He thanked the members of the JCF who have, “Never flinched from duty in a hostile environment and performed professionally and courteously.”

The Prime Minister viewed the march past after the Jamaica Constabulary Force Commemorative and Memorial Church Service at Boulevard Baptist Church on November 23. The service was for the twenty members of the JCF who were killed between December 2007 and November 2008. The Prime Minister read the First Lesson at the service.

The General Secretary/Treasurer of the New Testament Church of God, Rev Dr Stevenson Samuels delivered the sermon, which was based on the parable of the Good Samaritan. Rev Samuels noted that unlike the Samaritan, Jamaicans caused too many lines to divide the society and reminded the congregation that we were all “One Blood” and should live in “One Love”.
Chaplain to the Police, Rev Dr Vivian G. Panton, conducted the Act of Memorial which saw Trainee Woman Constables lay long-stemmed red roses beside a flame in honour of their fallen colleagues; one of whom was also a Woman Constable. This was followed by a bugle solitaire of the Final Post, which accompanied images of the deceased that were projected on screens.
During the service, performances were given by the JCF Band, JCF and Island Special Constabulary Force Choirs. The other three services were held in Savannah-la-Mar Westmoreland, Port Maria St. Mary and May Pen Clarendon.