Commissioner Highlights JCF’s Resilience & Capacity To Rebuild After Beryl

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is demonstrating its resilience and capacity to swiftly rebuild and come back stronger. Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake, during a visit to some of the hardest-hit areas, expressed confidence in the JCF’s ability to repair damaged facilities and maintain its commitment to serving the public.

Commissioner Blake emphasised the diverse capabilities within the JCF, highlighting the various skill sets and resources that enable the force to respond effectively to natural disasters. “The Jamaica Constabulary Force is a pretty large organisation with several capabilities and career paths. Within the JCF, we have persons with various skill sets,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of having pre-existing formations dedicated to project management and construction, which become invaluable in times of crisis. “We have formations that have responsibility over some significant areas that persons would not necessarily consider ‘main policing’. For example, in the area of project management, construction, and stuff like that, and all of those come in very, very handy in times like these,” Commissioner Blake noted.

The Commissioner also highlighted the robust technology capabilities within the JCF, which ensure that communication and technology systems remain operational even after a disaster. “We have a very robust technology capability in terms of assets in human resource assets. That is important in ensuring that our communication system and our technology system can function and function well, even after a disaster,” he explained.

Dr Blake pointed out that the JCF’s comprehensive planning allowed for a seamless transition to post-hurricane operations. “The plan that we had going into this hurricane foresaw the post-Hurricane Beryl response, which is what is being implemented now as we speak. So they have been doing a pretty fine job,” he stated.

Despite the significant damage to several facilities, the JCF has conducted thorough assessments to understand the extent of the damage, the cost of restoration, and the necessary steps to restore these facilities. “It’s no easy task to do the level of assessment that was done to fully understand what is required, the cost of restoration, and even the plan to restore these facilities,” Commissioner Blake remarked.

He further stressed the importance of pre-existing structures within the JCF that are activated during such times, stating, “We can’t create these formations when we need them. We have to create them before we need them. And that’s why the organisation, the JCF, is the resilient organisation it is.”

Commissioner Blake’s visit to Area 3, highlighted the dedication and professionalism of the officers who have been working tirelessly to secure government properties and clear roadways. “I must say to you I’ve seen clips and video footages of our members, you know, securing government properties, also clearing roadways and stuff like that. They did an awesome job in order to, not only secure the facilities and themselves, but also to make life much easier for the citizens of this community,” he praised.

As the JCF embarks on the road to recovery, the resilience and preparedness demonstrated by its members and leadership is testament to the JCF’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the Jamaican people.