THE parish of St Ann is expecting Superintendent of Police Wayne Cameron to bring something special in his new role as head of the St Ann Police Division.

Senior Superintendent Yvonne Martin Daley officially handed over the leadership to Cameron at a ceremony held at the St Ann’s Bay Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 19.

Supt Cameron headed the Portland division for several years and, under his watch, the parish boasted and still has the lowest crime rate, not only in the Area Two police division, but the island.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area Two, Egbert Parkins said that the team of police personel in Area Two remained committed and dedicated to the task.

Parkins described St Ann as a “dynamic parish” which required a committed team to tackle crime.

“We do not take a casual approach against crime in Area Two because we know what we are up against,” he stated in his message during the ceremony held to welcome Supt Cameron and to bid farewell to SSP Martin Daley.

As he takes over the reins of the parish, Supt Cameron said that the police remained resolute to the task. He called on his colleagues to be customer-focused and to display professionalism in carrying out their duties. Supt Cameron also made it clear that corruption in any form must not be tolerated.

“We need to improve on our murder reduction efforts,” he said, citing the fact that St Ann has recorded six more murders this year than it did for the same period last year.

SSP Martin Daley, who is heading to the police academy, called on Jamaicans to make themselves available to be antecedents and to ensure that they “send good persons to join the police force”.

Rev Karen Kirlew, head of the St Ann’s Bay circuit of Baptist churches, who gave a charge to members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, encouraged the leaders to lead selflessly.

“We can’t lead unless we are the servants of the people. There is no place for self-seeking, for self-serving, but there is a place for partnerships,” she said.

She also called on the leaders to value diverse opinions and to develop a culture of trust.

“The onus is on you to cultivate a culture of trust,” she told them.

The ceremony was also used to present five students with scholarships sponsored by businesses in the parish, and one retired police officer. Businesses which partnered with the police to award these students include Dolphin Cove, operators from JUTA, JCAL and MAXI tours. Those awarded were Naushaun Wright, Shakers Hyatt, Prague Patterson, Shawnee Dougal, and Heisha Durant.