Former Minister of National Security Robert Montague last month announced plans for the construction of a $50-million police station to replace the current one in Buff Bay, Portland.

Montague, who was last week reassigned to the Ministry of Transport and Mining, said that funds would come from the National Housing Trust (NHT). This was disclosed two Fridays ago when Montague broke ground for the new facility.

The announcement follows calls from residents for a new police station because of the building’s less than suitable conditions.

The project forms part of a new initiative by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to allocate funds from the Government-run NHT for rehabilitation purposes in communities across the country.

Montague warned that dons will not be accommodated on the project and stressed that those community members who are employed to work on the project must do a full day’s work for a full day’s pay or run the risk of being fired.

He, at the same time, lauded Leader of the Opposition Dr Peter Phillips for the recommendations given towards solving crime during his budget presentation in the House of Representatives.

Montague, while acknowledging that there are corrupt cops in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, said that the majority are hard-working officers. He shared that the force has three officers with doctorate, 120 with master’s degrees and 1,274 with first degrees, while noting that hundreds hold certificates.

In the meantime the minister said that although the parish has a low crime rate, four vehicles have been added to its fleet.

— Everard Owen