Sarah’s Children, S Hotel celebrate JCF’s women
CELEBRATION CONTINUES into the 75th anniversary of women in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), as 30 trailblazing women across Area One were feted by charitable organisation Sarah’s Children and S Hotel.
The women, whose ranks ranged from constable to superintendent of police, were invited to a special luncheon at the Roots Rock Restaurants, inside the S Hotel in Montego Bay, on Tuesday. Additionally, the women were presented with certificates and tokens for their outstanding contributions.
While expressing gratitude to the women in the JCF, chairman and founder of Sarah’s Children, Janet Silvera, said that the 30 women represented a burning passion and dedication to serving the people of Jamaica.
“These remarkable women seated in our midst today have been carefully selected based on their unwavering commitment, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence. They are the unsung heroes who tirelessly work behind the scenes, often without seeking recognition, yet their efforts never go unnoticed,” Silvera said in her opening remarks.
She added, “Integrity and impeccable character are the cornerstones of their service, and they serve as exemplary mentors, caring not only for the safety and security of our communities but also for the welfare of their fellow officers.”
Silvera further pointed out that women in the JCF play an immeasurable role, as their abilities to connect with members of their community not only positively impact the Constabulary Force’s community policing efforts, but have assisted in “bridging the gap between law enforcement and the citizens”.
Bringing greetings during Tuesday’s event was custos of St James, Bishop Conrad Pitkin, who thanked the women for going beyond the call of duty and playing their individual roles in the JCF’s policing efforts across the four western parishes.
IMPACT ON THE FORCE
Pitkin also stated that women have been making an undeniable impact on the image of the Constabulary Force.
“There will undoubtedly be greater trust in the police force as a result of our policewomen, who will only help to enhance the force’s reputation,” the custos said.
Pitkin further pointed out that women officers are known to less likely use excessive force while carrying out their duties, effectively advocate and respond to violence against women, and “are less likely to be the subject of citizens’ complaints”.
In the meantime, Tuesday’s keynote speaker, Dr Clover Baker-Brown, a professor at the Prince George’s Community College in Maryland, USA, spoke on the importance of reflecting on the journey of women in the JCF.
Dr Baker-Brown noted that the bravery and confidence of the first three women in the JCF, Iris Tulloch, Sylvia Myers, and Florence Nelson, have paved the way for the thousands of women who have since joined the force.
“As we celebrate this time, it is very important that we take a moment to reflect on how we got here and on whose shoulders we’re standing. Today, we pay tribute to trailblazing women in the Jamaica Constabulary Force because of them, you are here today, so we acknowledge them,”said Dr Baker-Brown.
She added, “75 years ago when those female officers j oined the ranks of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, they embarked on a journey that would not only shape the course of their lives but would pave the way for future generation of women in the police force.”
Dr Baker-Brown also thanked the women for their outstanding service and charged that they, “never forget the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before us”.
“We must continue to break down the barriers that hold women back, whether they are cultural, familial, social, institutional or in the corporate spaces,” she said.
As she responded on behalf of her colleagues, woman corporal Shantel Watson thanked Sarah’s Children and S Hotel for providing an afternoon of celebration. Watson said that the officers were grateful for the recognition and hospitality as the JCF celebrates 75 years of women.
She further stated that while women police are usually viewed as the disciplinarians, they are influential in the “softer side” of policing.
“We are always the ones who are seen as stern. We don’t give any ‘bly’. However, there is the softer side to policing that women are needed for, and I am so glad that our organisation ... is able to appreciate us,” Watson said.
“There are Christmas dinners that we have missed. There are birthdays and special occasions that we would have loved to be at. However, we take our oath seriously,” said the corporal.