JCF Bucks: A Symbol of Service, Celebration, and Community at the JCF CARE Christmas Village
At the heart of the JCF CARE Christmas Village in Rat Trap district, Westmoreland; Litchfield, Trelawny; and the Cold Spring district of Hanover, JCF’s new and meaningful initiative—the JCF Bucks—was a breath of fresh air for attendees.
This special form of currency was created just for the children. But it is not your everyday banknote.
Instead, JCF Bucks represent something far richer: a celebration of service, a gesture of empowerment, and a symbolic reminder of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s deep connection to the people it serves.
These Christmas Villages were brought to life through the support and funding of the JCF Officer Corps that collectively saw the need to postpone its annual cocktail event and instead, pour into the lives of the children in the worst affected parishes following Hurricane Mellisa.
From their debut at the CARE Village in St. Elizabeth on December 6, JCF Bucks have been a sought-after commodity. Brightly colored in values of $100, $500, $1,000, $2,000, and $5,000, the bucks are gifted to children in bundles of $8,500 to purchase whatever they set their little hearts on—clothes, food, toys, services, and other festive treats within the village.
For many, this was the first time they experienced the joy of choosing how to spend money of their own, an opportunity that encouraged independence, decision-making, and a sense of personal value. While traditional handout packages have always been appreciated and remain important, JCF Bucks introduced a new, empowering way for children to engage with the concept of philanthropic giving.
What makes JCF Bucks especially meaningful is the care and symbolism infused into every note. Each bill carries a unique serial number: 11/28/67. These numbers are not random. They represent November 28, 1867, the historic date marking the establishment of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. This year, as the JCF celebrates an impressive 158 years of service, the inclusion of this anniversary date on the JCF Bucks stands as a tribute to the organization’s long-standing commitment to law enforcement, community support, and national development. Every child holding those notes has held a small piece of JCF history.
The notes also proudly display the tagline: “Strengthening our people, Strengthening our Bonds, Strengthening Jamaica.” This statement captures the spirit and purpose behind the initiative. In a time when Jamaica continues to recover from challenges, including natural disasters and economic strain, the JCF sought a meaningful way to stand with the nation, especially its youngest citizens. The Christmas Village and its signature currency offered not only fun and celebration but also reassurance that the JCF is deeply invested in uplifting, supporting, and uniting Jamaican families.
Through JCF Bucks, the organization emphasized its belief that strengthening Jamaica begins with strengthening its people. By giving children control over their choices—whether buying a new outfit, selecting a warm meal, or enjoying festive activities—the JCF provided them with an experience that reinforced dignity and self-worth. It was more than spending money; it was an opportunity to learn, feel valued, and participate in a joyful community space designed just for them.
In celebrating its 158th anniversary, the JCF chose not only to reflect on its legacy but also to invest in Jamaica’s future. The launch of JCF Bucks beautifully blended history, creativity, and community spirit, demonstrating that even in difficult times, unity and compassion remain at the forefront of the JCF’s mission.
Seventy-five-year-old Harold Spence, who came with his son and three grandchildren, indicated that in all his years living in this community, he has never seen anything like this.
He could not hide his excitement as he showed off his JCF Bucks and stated that “I can’t remember the last time anybody gave me so much money for myself.” Spence went further to explain that the moment feels like a blessing because it gave him a chance to share in the joy of the season while watching his grandchildren shop and enjoy themselves.
“We had all the grand market excitement, and we didn’t have to travel to Santa [Cruz],” he added with a smile.
Principal of Kew Park Primary School Ramon Bremmer also showered high praises on the JCF CARE Initiative and its JCF Bucks.
He stated that “the program provided joy, dignity, and genuine help to families, and that its impact on children and this underserved community was absolutely inspirational.”
The JCF CARE initiative stands as a reminder that strengthening Jamaica begins with small but powerful acts. The JCF Bucks did exactly that—strengthening people, strengthening bonds, and strengthening Jamaica, one child at a time.
