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JCF past members still contributing to society

THERE IS A verse in the Bible that says "train up a child in the way he must grow so that when he is old he will not depart from it." The Jamaica Constabulary Force and its auxiliaries can attest to the scripture, as over seven hundred of its past members have joined together as an association, making valuable contribution to the society and the organisation they once served.

The Association of Past Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (APMJCF), which has members from all branches of the police services - namely the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Island Special Constabulary Force and District Constables Association - has managed to be registered as a Benevolent Society.

The group was founded for the purpose of providing a voice for past members; to assist members in accessing benefits to which they are entitled; to assist the needy among them in accessing additional financial aid and having an avenue for social interaction. They also embrace widows, widowers, visit and minister to sick and shut-in members at home, in hospitals and nursing homes.

LAUNCHED

It all began in July 1990 when a small group of past members saw the need for an organisation through which they can give back something to the force as well as to represent themselves. The organisation was officially launched in 1993 with the first president, former Deputy Commissioner of Police, the late Luther Hylton. He served for one year and was succeeded by former Commissioner of Police, Wilbert Bowes, who held the position for nine years.

Presently, the association is headed by former Corporal of Police, Gary Welsh, Bishop of the Jordan Road New Testament Church of God. Interestingly, he only served the JCF for twelve years but is a member of the APMJCF from its inception and is committing his service for decades to come. The vice-president is past Deputy Commissioner of Police Rudolph Hamilton.

On The Beat caught up with the president recently at one of their fund-raising concerts held at the Covenant Moravian Church on Molynes Road in Kingston. He disclosed that the association is working on plans to build a convalescent home for past members who find it difficult to pay their medical bills.

The association extended thanks to Commissioner of Police, Lucius Thomas, for offering the service of Deputy Superintendent Martin Bayliss to act as Liaison Officer between the JCF and APMJCF.

The association is blessed with a number of past members of the JCF Choir and there are plans to incorporate such voices in ministering to the populace. Retired Senior Superintendent Baldwin Johnson, who formed the JCF choir nearly thirty years ago, will act as choir director.

The association's headquarters is at the Police Officers Club on Hope Road, where they meet every third Saturday in each month. In a bid to facilitate all past members, there are three other locations islandwide, Western Jamaica (chapter 1 in St. James), Northern Jamaica (chapter 11 in St. Mary) and Central Jamaica (Chapter 111 in Manchester.)

On The Beat is a production of the Constabulary Communication Network. For further information contact Inspector Victor Henry, Corporal Natasha Green or Constable Oneil Patterson at 978-2729.