State Minister Commends Hard Work of Police

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., has commended the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

He said the Government full recognises the sacrifices they make in service to the country and is committed to improving their welfare and ensuring that they are well-equipped to carry out their duties.

“We know that fighting crime is very difficult. On behalf of the Ministry and the people of Jamaica, I want to say a personal ‘thank you’ for your bravery and for your service,” he said.

Mr. Charles was addressing the Police Area Two Awards Ceremony and Banquet held on April 30 at Moon Palace Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios.

Over 20 members of the force, who serve in the parishes of Portland, St. Ann, and St. Mary, were recognised for outstanding service over the past year.

The State Minister applauded the awardees for their work ethic and courage, noting that they are true role models, whose behaviours should be emulated.

He called on all stakeholders to give full support to the police, noting that “it is in our collective interest to get crime under control.”

Mr. Charles said he was saddened by recent killings, including the fatal gun attack on a woman corporal, and warned that the Government will not allow criminality to flourish.

“You have already heard the Prime Minister (the Most Hon. Andrew Holness) saying that he will be making the fight against crime a major priority; National Security Minister, the Hon. Robert Montague and I are equally committed”, he said.

“The end result is that we want to have a peaceful Jamaica that we can all be proud of. We want to live in a Jamaica where we can raise our families without the constant fear, and where the streets are safe for our children,” the State Minister added.