Inspire Confidence and Empower Future Generations
Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, has urged female officers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), to embrace leadership that inspires confidence, strengthens institutions and empowers future generations.
The remarks were delivered at the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) Female Conference, held on Thursday, July 2 at the Police Officers’ Club, under the theme “Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Empowering Change”.
Ambassador Stone Roofe reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a modern, professional and people-centred JCF, investing in both systems and leaders who embrace innovation and accountability.
She told the more than fifty female officers that leadership is revealed in judgement when no one is watching, in courage when circumstances become difficult and in integrity when shortcuts appear easier.
“Every officer in this room has influence, whether you supervise a team, mentor a young constable or set the standard through your professionalism. Someone is paying attention to how you serve,” PS Stone Roofe said.
She emphasized that national security is ultimately “a people business”, where the quality, commitment and values of officers matter as much as infrastructure and technology.
“Strong organisations are built when colleagues support one another and when success is viewed not as something to guard but to something to share,” the security ministry’s top executive noted.
Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe also encouraged the female officers to embrace empathy as a tool to enhance their leadership within the force.
She also reminded the officers that their legacy will be defined not only by operations or by commendations, but by the impact they leave on others.
“I urge you to be intentional about leaving the path clearer than you found it, because leadership is measured not by what we accomplish ourselves, but by what becomes possible because we were there. The young officer you encouraged, the citizen who encountered kindness, the child who looked at your uniform and saw possibilities. Those are the moments that quietly strengthen our nation,” Ambassador Stone Roofe said.
Meanwhile, the most senior female officer in the force in terms of rank, Deputy Commissioner of Police Karina Powell-Hood, urged responsible leadership among the officers.
“Jamaica is always celebrated as one of the countries with the most female in leadership positions. What is important for us, I believe, is that when we are in positions of authority that we be very responsible,” DCP Powell-Hood said.
Awards were presented to officers drawn from the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, the Public Safety Division, Mounted Troop Division, Traffic Enforcement Division, the Highway and Safety Patrol Division, Beat Officer Patrol Division and the Resort Areas Division of the JCF.
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