MONTEGO BAY, St James — There were expressions of joy and appreciation from 30 outstanding women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in the Police Area One as they were showered with love, part of the JCF’s celebration of 75 years of women enlisting in the force.

The accolade provided to policewomen working within the parishes of Trelawny, St James, Westmoreland and Hanover came in the form of a special luncheon, made possible by the S Hotel and Sarah’s Children advocacy group. It was held at the S Hotel in St James on Tuesday.

Among those being lauded was Sergeant Karene Gascoigne who is assigned to the St James Police Division. She likes to work without much fanfare but she was elated at the recognition.

“I am feeling blessed. I’m feeling happy. I’m glad that I was accepted to be given this gift because I’m not a person who likes to be in the forefront, as they all know. I’m the person who likes to do the work and stay at the back. I guess for that reason they are always trying to show their appreciation for my hard work. I’m happy for this today,” Sergeant Gascoigne told the Jamaica Observer.

This is not the first time that she has been recognised for being a workaholic. In recognition of the work she did during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was shown appreciation by Sarah’s Children as well as the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“I am the kind of person who, whatever I do, I like to do it to the best of my ability. If I work, I need it to succeed. I always put the drive behind everything that I do to ensure that my team, not only me, [but] my whole team has success in the end. And so, because of that, I always strive. I put a lot of time, a lot of energy into getting things done properly,” stated Sergeant Gascoigne.

Similarly, Sergeant Allison Holness, who was among the top six finalists in the Lasco/JCF Top Cop for 2023, was happy to have another recognition added to her list of achievements.

“I was really elated. Many other persons could have been selected. I’m definitely grateful to my supervisors who took the time out to recognise what I’ve been doing over the years,” she told the Observer.

Sergeant Holness, who is a supervisor at the Whithorn Police Station where she is second in command, is guided by her principles of helping others as well as to make a good contribution to the country by ensuring that others can give their best each day.

The officer had these words of encouragement to her colleagues of the same gender.

“You can be the best at anything that you do. Nobody is beyond. Nothing is beyond you. You can do whatever it is that you need. As long as you are focused and every day you put in the work, do what is necessary, and do what it is that you know is right, then you definitely will be a force to be reckoned with and you are no competition to no male at all. Just do your best every single day,” Sergeant Holness said.

Chairman and founder of Sarah’s Children, Janet Silvera told the gathering that the exceptional women were carefully selected based on their unwavering commitment, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

“They are the unsung heroes who tirelessly work behind the scenes, often without seeking recognition, yet their efforts never go unnoticed,” stated Silvera.

“Integrity and impeccable character are the cornerstones of their service, and they serve as exemplary mentors, caring not only for the safety and security of our communities but also for the welfare of their fellow officers. Their dedication to the welfare of others is unparalleled, reflecting their deep-rooted commitment to public service,” she added.

Silvera noted these outstanding women are not only dedicated to their duties but also strive for personal advancement and growth. She added that they continually seek opportunities for self-improvement and education as they inspire others with their intellect and determination. One such awardee who came in for commendation was Deputy Superintendent of Police Natalie Palmer, whose dedication and perseverance have led her to become the first woman in the force to attain a Doctor of Philosophy while actively serving.

“As we celebrate the achievements of these trailblazing women, let us also honour the legacy of pioneers such as retired Superintendent Ionie Ramsay and Deputy Commissioner Novelette Grant, whose tireless efforts have paved the way for the advancement of women in law enforcement.

“To all the police women gathered here today, I urge you to remember the importance of balancing your professional duties with your personal lives. Family is the foundation upon which we build our strength, and it is essential to prioritise the well-being of our loved ones, even as we dedicate ourselves to the service of others,” added Silvera, a journalist and former president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Custos of St James Bishop Conrad Pitkin expressed appreciation to the women who he said have not only risked their lives for all but also helped create trust in the JCF.

“Research has shown that female officers are less likely to use excessive force than their male counterparts, produce better outcomes in response to violence against women and less likely to be the subject of citizens’ complaints, reduce issues of gender discretion and police harassment, and produce better outcomes for victims of sexual assaults,” stated Bishop Pitkin.

The month of February is celebrated as Women’s History Month and guest speaker, a professor at the Prince George’s Community College in Maryland, USA, Dr Clover Baker-Brown pointed to the importance of reflecting on the journey of women in the force, noting that gender equality and empowerment is important.

“We must never forget the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before us and on whose shoulders we are standing every single day, [and] every single time. We must continue to break down the barriers that hold women back whether they are cultural, social, institutional or in the corporate spaces. We must double down on ensuring that we do our part in making sure that we create a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman who wants an opportunity to fulfil her potential and pursue her dreams in the JCF, can do so,” stated Baker-Brown, a Jamaican.

She said women have shown that they are just as capable as their male counterparts despite challenges.

“We know that through our history women would have often been relegated to the sidelines to do all the things that history has taught us to do — cook, clean and so on. Our contributions have been overlooked and underestimated but while they were not looking, you, the women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, were shadowing many stereotypes and proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that gender is no barrier to excellence in law enforcement,” stated Baker-Brown.