Building a Better Jamaica

OCHO RIOS (JIS)
Monday, June 16, 2008

State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Arthur Williams, has commended the members of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) for their hard work and dedication to duty over the years.

"You have been given a special role to play in respect of public order, and the restoration of order in public places is vital to efforts at reducing crime and violence," Senator Williams said as he addressed the ISCF's annual conference recently at the Runaway Bay HEART Hotel.

He further lauded the ISCF's efforts in "preserving the environment from illegal sand mining, deforestation and other acts, all of which are critical to ensuring a good quality of life for us and future generations."

Turning to other matters, Senator Williams said that the Ministry is moving to address the welfare concerns of the members of the ISCF, especially the matter of housing, for which the allocation has been increased from $2 million to $10 million. The increase will be applied over two years, with $5 million to be made available this fiscal year and the remainder in the following year.

He addressed other issues such as the provision of protective gear, early retirement incentive programme, retirement age, and the refund of legal fees.

Commenting on the theme of the conference, which is 'Delivering Professional and Quality Service in a Challenging Environment,' Senator Williams said that professionalism and quality service are ideals that must guide the actions of those engaged in law enforcement at all times, especially "during periods of great challenges such as we are facing now."

He urged the ISCF members to "rededicate yourselves to the task of law enforcement.rededicate yourselves to strive to deliver professionalism and quality service in this very challenging environment in which we find ourselves."