KINGSTON, Jamaica — National Security Minister Robert Montague has announced that Cabinet has approved the establishment of 2,200 district constable positions, with effect from April 1, 2017.

The ministry, in a news release, said the formal establishment is a critical step to regularise the status of district constables within the Jamaica Constabulary Force structure to facilitate the payment of a pension to people serving in those positions.

Cabinet has also approved the establishment of three levels of district constables for respective pay grades to be developed to inform the assignment of pension benefits.

This is being done to prevent loss of retirement benefits for those district constables close to retirement, and promote mobility within the organisation.  The start-up date is to be determined.

In welcoming the decision, Montague said the district constables have served Jamaica tirelessly, but at retirement age were not pensionable.

“Many of these district constables have been serving communities in excess of 20 and 30 years, and this administration believes they should go home with more than just a watch, and a thank you card; this country owes them a debt of gratitude,” stated Montague.

The National Security Minister said the implementation of a pension scheme for district constables has been on the table for several years, and he is happy the issue is coming to a successful close.