MONTEGO BAY, St James – Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Steve McGregor, the former commanding officer for St James, says he regrets having to leave the parish, but stressed that he has left a roadmap which his successor may wish to follow.

SSP McGregor took up duties at the Territorial Operations Portfolio of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) last week, after serving roughly a year as commanding officer for St James.

He was replaced by Superintendent of Police Marlon Nesbeth.

Speaking at a farewell cocktail party hosted by the St James Police Civic Committee at Biggs Sports Bar in Montego Bay last week, McGregor noted that when he took up duties as the commanding officer for St James “crime was far worse than where it is today.”

According to him, during his tenure the St James Police cleared up more than half of the murder cases and took over 100 illegal firearms off the streets of the parish. But more importantly, he stressed, under his leadership the police have successfully initiated communication with the citizens and have won the support of a significant number of persons at all levels in the fight against crime.

“I am not saying that the situation today is good. In fact, some may say that we have failed. However, given the time within which we worked, I am satisfied that the men and women with whom I worked did a good job,” said the outspoken law officer.

Several members of the Civic Committee led by Chairman Dr Lee Bailey, showered praises on McGregor and his colleagues for their valiant fight against crime in the parish.

Committee member Clayton Morgan, in particular, lauded McGregor for his work on the committee, pointing out that the Superintendent was always working with the committee to improve the welfare of members of the JCF in the parish.

And at another farewell party hosted in his honour at the Montego Freeport Station by his colleagues and friends last week, McGregor argued that there were too many guns in the hands of criminals in St James.

He also bemoaned that as soon the police clear the streets of criminals and weapons, several more appeared. “As a country we cannot continue like this,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, the St James Police Civic Committee also bade farewell to Assistant Commissioner of Police Winchroy Budhoo, who was in charge of Police Area One.

Chairman Dr Lee Bailey and Deputy Chairman Andre Dixon led other members in lauding the ACP for his leadership during his tour of duty in the western region, particularly in St James.