IN a significant boost for Jamaica’s law enforcement capabilities, Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Customs Agency, Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), and Financial Investigations Division have been equipped with new training resources.

The material is designed to bolster the enforcement of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and strengthen Jamaica’s fight against fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

The training resources, including videos and printed materials — developed with the support of the Serious Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Evidence of the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and produced by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Section of the United States Embassy in Kingston — were presented to the local entities recently.

Colonel Desmond Edwards, director general of MOCA, expressed gratitude to the international partners. “Our work, our achievements, and our progress would not be possible without the invaluable support and contributions from our international partners.

“The INL and the FCDO, represented here, are critical partners in our efforts. Your support has been instrumental, not just in the development of these training videos but in strengthening the very foundations on which all the law enforcement agencies represented here function,” said Edwards.

In the meantime Amy Tachco, deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Kingston, said:

“Partnering with Jamaica to find meaningful ways to combat crime is always a top priority for the US Embassy. We are so proud of the role that our international narcotics and law enforcement team has played in making this project happen. Let’s harness the insights gained from these training videos to bolster our collective resolve and combat crime,” said Tacho.

Meanwhile Colleen Falconer, programme manager at the FCDO, emphasised the synergy of international cooperation.

“The UK-Jamaica partnership is strong and has been yielding results. This is a real multiplier effect of impact and we want to encourage all our partners to keep strengthening and enhancing what we already have, so today we celebrate an excellent example of progress through partnership,” said Falconer.

Velma Ricketts Walker, CEO of Jamaica Customs Agency, said the support from the international partners is significant.

“The INL’s support over the years to our cause and those of our local law enforcement partners is deeply appreciated and plays a crucial role in our efforts to strengthen the technical competencies of our law enforcement officers to apply the provisions of POCA more effectively and vigorously,” said Walker.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey, meanwhile, stressed the practical impact of the training resources.

“We have been engaged in a number of investigations targeting criminal networks but until we are able to take the proceeds from the organsations then our effort will be minimised. And so, I want to congratulate and say thanks to INL for facilitating this video that will enhance the capacity of the men and women of the JCF and all the other investigative bodies,” said Bailey.

In accepting the training material Selvin Hay, director general of the FID, outlined the strategic importance of the initiative.

“The launch of these training videos is an initiative that marks another calculated step in our commitment to combat financial crime. Our strategic thrust is quite clear — to widen the use of the Proceeds of Crime Act across all enforcement and supporting agencies,” said Hay.