THE JAMAICA CONSTABULARY FORCE SIGNS AGREEMENT TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN SECURITY ALONG COASTLINES
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) strengthened their partnership by signing an addendum to their existing agreement to improve Jamaica’s border security on Thursday, October 22.
The original Memorandum of Understanding, executed on December 15, 2016, established three marine bases at Rocky Point in Clarendon, James Bond Beach in St. Mary, and Little Ochi in St. Elizabeth. The new addendum allows both agencies to establish additional marine bases at strategic locations across Jamaica to strengthen border protection and enforcement capacity through coordinated operations and the effective use of resources.
The marine bases are intended to support joint operations to deter, prevent, detect, and prosecute breaches of customs and other Jamaican laws. These activities include contraband interdiction, searches of vessels, the interception of suspicious vessels, persons, and goods, coastal surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
The addendum also updates the arrangements for staffing, equipment, infrastructure, and operating expenses. To support implementation and accountability, the agencies must meet at least quarterly, or more frequently as necessary. This builds on the existing arrangements for liaison officers, periodic reporting, and joint consultation.
The expanded framework will support a more coordinated maritime presence and strengthen the agencies’ capacity to detect and respond to illicit activity along Jamaica’s coastline. By combining resources, intelligence, and operational expertise, the partnership supports the wider effort to disrupt the movement of contraband and protect Jamaica’s borders and communities.
