UDC Donates Jet Skis to Police Force

KINGSTON — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has received four jet skis from the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), valued at $6.7 million, which will enhance the force's ability to patrol the island's coastal waters.

The skis, two of which were acquired through funding from the Port Authority of Jamaica, are expected to aid in the securing of key points within the tourism and attraction sectors, and will be deployed to the Marine Division.

Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington, who accepted the equipment Friday morning at his Old Hope Road offices in Kingston, said the jet skis, which add to the force’s existing fleet, will better enable the JCF to fulfill its mandate of protecting Jamaica, and to deter illegal activities within the tourism sector.

"(They) will be used specifically to deter or prevent those who may try to sell drugs or contraband to visitors or try to entice or engage our visitors to ride around on illegal or unregulated watercraft," he informed.

He thanked the UDC and the Port Authority of Jamaica for the donation.

UDC Deputy General Manager, Lenworth Tracey, said the organisation remains committed to “making development happen in the various sectors” especially through partnerships.

He said tourists as well as locals have to venture into Jamaica’s territorial waters as part of the visitor experience and it is incumbent on the UDC, as a key stakeholder in the tourism sector, to ensure their safety and security.

The jet skies, supplied by Yamaja Engines Limited, have a super high output and can be used in water as shallow as six inches.

They bring to six, the number donated to the police force by the UDC, with two handed over in December 2010.

By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter