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TEF Enhances JCF Crime-Fighting Efforts with Donation of 15 Vehicles

Release Date: 
Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - 17:30

 

Fifteen vehicles were today presented to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to enhance crime-fighting efforts in tourist resort areas in the parishes of Trelawny, St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland and St. Mary.  Acquired at a cost of $28.2 million, the presentation of the Toyota Corolla motor cars took place during a handing-over ceremony held at the office of the Commissioner of Police in Kingston.

Today’s donation is the latest move in TEF’s ongoing initiative to bolster the resources of the JCF. In May 2012 it presented 16 Sports Utility Vehicles to that body for use in tourist resort areas at a cost of approximately $32 million. In addition the Montego Hills Police Station in St. James has been refurbished at a cost of $6 million. Motorcycles have also been provided for the Montego Bay resort area through a collaborative effort with the St. James Police-Citizens Action Committee to the tune of $1.5 million to enhance the efforts of the traffic police in monitoring and enforcing traffic laws along the Elegant Corridor. Additionally there is an on-going project to repair two non-functional marine police vessels. This project is being undertaken at a cost of $1 million.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, the Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, under whose Ministry TEF falls, said “the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment through TEF, is pleased to partner with the Ministry of National Security and the JCF to reduce crime in the tourist resort areas and by extension Jamaica, through these initiatives.”

With respect to the national crime-fighting efforts, Minister McNeill used the opportunity to congratulate the Ministry of National Security and the JCF for the “fine results we have been seeing in recent years and in particular the past year, in reducing the crime rate.” He emphasized that “this is not only being done to safeguard our visitors, but our Jamaican citizens as well.”

In thanking the Tourism and Entertainment Minister for the donation, Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting, said he is confident that Minister McNeill will be a consistent advocate to continue the investment in Jamaica’s national security and in a safe and secure environment for both tourists and all Jamaicans who live, work, do business and raise families.