Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, the Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, is heaping praise on members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), for the exemplary service and dedication they continue to exhibit.
She made the remarks during the LASCO/JCF Saluting Our Heroes Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 17, at an event held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, to mark 25 years of partnership between the entities.
This year’s theme: “Transforming Through People, Quality and Technology. Celebrating Our Heroes”, reflects the government’s commitment to empowering people, improving standards and leveraging innovation to strengthen national security and resilience.
In commending the six finalists, Minister Cuthbert-Flynn mentioned plans for deeper collaboration.
“We at the Ministry will be taking a closer look at the projects being carried out by the officers, with a view to identifying opportunities for closer partnerships,” she said.
The Minister added, “As we increase our focus on peace in communities, we aim to ensure the ultimate outcome of a safe, secure and peaceful country.”
Minister Cuthbert-Flynn stated that the event represents the strong relationship the JCF has with the LASCO Chin Foundation in recognising the hard work and commitment of police officers who have made strides in the communities they serve.
She lauded the officers for their resilience, noting their efforts to create initiatives that support youth, the vulnerable and foster community development.
“Even with the demands of your job, you have gone beyond the call of duty, not only as police officers but as community partners and support personnel, whose commitment to peace and safety has transformed lives and strengthened the very fabric of our society,” Minister Cuthbert-Flynn said.
She stated that the government remains resolute in providing the necessary resources, training and support to ensure the security forces continue their vital work effectively and safely.
“Our goal is to foster an environment whereby every Jamaican can live, work and thrive in peace,” the minister said.
For his part, Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, described the event as one which celebrates who the police are to the people of Jamaica and lauded the Foundation for their support of the JCF.
“Today, Lasco stands as one of the most respectable and lauded brands in both the corporate and public sectors of Jamaica. Your good corporate social responsibility and continued partnership and willingness to invest in our vision is nothing short of transformational. It is through collaborations like these that we build a better, stronger Jamaica,” he said.
The Salute Our Heroes Awards was launched as an initiative in the year 2000. This year’s iteration brought to the fore six finalists whose community projects stood out for their practicality. In the end, this year’s title of the LASCO Chin Foundation Top Cop went to Constable Shantel Powell of Area 5.
Corporal Stephen Smith from Area 2 was second runner-up, while Corporal Rojay Holt from Area 3 went home with the first runner-up prize.
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