$40m relief fund activated for storm-hit cops

Jamaica Gleaner | 2025-12-02 | Original Article

WESTERN BUREAU:

 

The management committee of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Welfare Fund has activated a $40-million humanitarian allocation to assist police officers whose homes and families were devastated by the catastrophic passage of Hurricane Melissa.

 

The fund, which comprises representatives of the Police Officers’ Association, the Jamaica Police Federation, and the United District Constables Association, will provide direct support to law-enforcement members to recover while still serving on the front lines.

 

Sergeant Arleen McBean, chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, told The Gleaner that while many officers suffered severe personal loss, their professionalism never wavered.

 

“Many of our colleagues in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, Trelawny, St James and other parishes were severely affected by this hurricane. However, they ensured service above self and continue to serve the citizens of Jamaica,” McBean said.

 

She noted that throughout the height of the storm, officers executed hundreds of rescues and relocations.

 

“The members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force were extremely outstanding during the passage of Hurricane Melissa, ensuring that citizens were transported safely to various shelters and family homes across the length and breadth of Jamaica,” she said.

 

The JCF also maintained security during and after the storm, even as officers struggled with their own losses.

 

McBean said the Welfare Fund has already begun its outreach to regional and global law-enforcement partners to bolster the recovery effort. “We have reached out to our Caribbean and international partners to join with us to see how best we can assist those who serve, protect, and reassure our citizens of Jamaica,” she explained.

 

She used the opportunity to salute every police officer who stood firm during the crisis.

 

“I want to use this opportunity to commend every police officer in the JCF for this level of dedication and service to the citizens of Jamaica.”

 

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com

 

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