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Prime Minister Announces $39 Billion Investment in the JCF Over the Next 3 Years


Prime Minister Announces $39 Billion Investment in the JCF Over the Next 3 Years

Prime Minister Andrew Holness today announced a historic $39 billion investment in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) over the next three years, underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening national security. Speaking at the Contract Signing Ceremony for the new St. Catherine North Divisional Headquarters, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant strides made by the Government in building the capacity of the JCF and outlined what this substantial investment means for the future of Jamaica’s national security.

The Prime Minister highlighted the years of disinvestment in national security by previous administrations. The Prime Minister noted that over the last three decades, there was a notable decline in the capital expenditure on the JCF, which led to inadequate infrastructure, outdated technology, and insufficient resources for effective policing. He said his administration’s approach marks a significant departure from this trend, with a focused and sustained investment in building the JCF’s capacity.

Prime Minister Holness emphasized that since taking office in 2016, his administration has prioritized the modernization and enhancement of the JCF. He detailed the government’s efforts, including the construction of new police stations, significant upgrades in technology, and the improvement of mobility resources. From 2016 to present, the government has spent over $5.5 billion on new police stations and plans to invest an additional $19.7 billion in the coming years. This includes the new state-of-the-art St. Catherine North Divisional Headquarters, which will cover 20,243 square meters and feature advanced security technologies and sustainable design elements.

In terms of technology, the Prime Minister said the government has allocated $3.9 billion for upgrades since 2016, with a planned expenditure of $10.9 billion over the next three years. This investment ensures that the JCF is equipped with the latest tools to effectively combat crime and enhance public safety. Additionally, the administration has significantly improved the mobility of the police force, spending $4.87 billion on vehicles with a projection to invest $8.7 billion more in the near future.

Prime Minister Holness says the $39 billion investment un the JCF represents a transformative step for Jamaica’s security infrastructure. It is designed to build a modern, transparent, and community-oriented police force capable of addressing the evolving challenges of crime and public safety. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that these investments will enhance the operational capabilities of the JCF and significantly improve public order and safety across the nation.