Dear Editor,

I would like to say a big thank you to the Spalding police, led by Inspector Shernett Griffitts, and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) team in Manchester for volunteering their time and expertise to the Alston High School in Clarendon to assist with the activities to facilitate the reopening of school in September.

Both the police and the army provided great support for the cleaning up activities on the compound, painting of walls, and the creation of a flowers garden at the school to enhance the aesthetic beauty of the compound.

Oftentimes when we hear about the security forces we tend to associate them with the fighting of crime through confrontations with criminal elements in the society. However, our security forces are much more than that, and there is a kinder, gentler, and softer side to both the army and the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which is evident in the many strategic projects they undertake to build relationships with the citizens and the different communities, like the recent assistance given to us at Alston High School.

Certainly, when the security forces act inappropriately we rightfully criticise and chastise them. Therefore, when they act appropriately we must commend them.

Kudos for a job well done, we salute you. The word is always love!

Andre Wellington

andrewellington344@yahoo.com