CLARENDON, Jamaica – The Mounted Troop Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has received a boost with a donation of five horses valued at $370,000 from the Ebony Park Academy.

The horses were handed over to the JCF at a ceremony held on Wednesday, at Ebony Park in Toll Gate, Clarendon.

In handing over the horses, Director of the Ebony Park Academy, Robert Green, said the HEART Trust/NTA was thrilled to contribute to the JCF as any effort to boost the nation’s security was a worthwhile one. “The students and staff of the institution believe this to be an excellent investment in the law enforcement of our country,” said Green.

Accepting the donation, Senior Superintendent of the JCF’s Operations Branch, Anthony Powell, lauded the HEART Trust/ NTA for their initiative.

He said the additional horses would greatly assist the Mounted Troop Division to fulfil its mandate, as it had a critical role to play in fighting crime and maintaining law and order.

The horses will be transported to the stables of the Mounted Troop Division where they will be vetted and then trained to be used for policing. They will be deployed in areas of crowd control, community relations and at ceremonial events.

Also addressing the handover ceremony was Denworth Finnikin, Senior Director of Workforce Development and Employment at the HEART Trust/ NTA.

Finnikin noted that security is a crucial indicator of economic development and that the JCF plays a significant role in ensuring that the country operates in a lawful and peaceful manner.

“The HEART Trust/NTA develops the nation’s human resources while the JCF protects them.  This is a great partnership as we work together towards the development of our people. We all have a critical role to play in the development of Jamaica and we must seek to collaborate, not only to fulfil corporate social responsibilities, but for the greater good of our country,” said Finnikin.