Refurbished Barnett Street Police Station Re-Opens

The Barnett Street Police Station, in Montego Bay, St. James, which was refurbished at a cost of $7.4 million, was officially re-opened on February 25, by Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting.

Fire had destroyed one of the main residential buildings that housed several police personnel, and the station was also in a state of disrepair for some time.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Bunting said the re-opening was timely, as “the spotlight of crime was now shining on the second city and tourist capital, Montego Bay."

“I am particularly pleased when we can improve the conditions under which members of the security forces live and work … We really feel that it is important to make the working and living conditions of our brave policemen and women more comfortable. When we ask our policemen and women to be professionals, it is only fair that we complement it by giving them professional and appropriate accommodations,” the Minister emphasised.

Mr. Bunting said it is necessary for the police station, so strategically positioned in Montego Bay, to be up and running in order to address the growing demands of tackling street crimes and investigating criminal cases, thereby providing greater levels of security for both citizens and visitors alike.

"Montego Bay is pivotal as a commercial and tourist centre and loss of services at the station dealt a tremendous blow to the city.  We are therefore committed to ensuring that the city is safe for persons to live, visit and conduct business,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bunting urged citizens not to tolerate the lottery scam, which is connected to violent crimes and murders in western Jamaica.

"The Ministry, under my leadership, and the security forces are all committed to combating this scourge and making Montego Bay, St. James and the entire country safe.  The upgraded facility here at Barnett Street will enhance the role of the police in central Montego Bay.  It will augment the services provided by the Freeport Station,” the Minister said.

“The renovated guard room will allow officers to deliver modern policing services to the community. Citizens can expect better customer service, as the station has space specially designed to accommodate confidential interface between the citizens and the police,” he added.

Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington, in his remarks, said the policemen and women were committed to serve effectively.

“I am giving our word as the police that we will operate from this facility in the interest of the community.  We give our word that we will protect the assets which have been refurbished and we will ensure that the citizens of Montego Bay, especially those in the town centre, can always count on this police facility for very effective, consistent and professional service,” Commissioner Ellington said.

By Glenis Rose, JIS Reporter