KINGSTON, Jamaica — Thirteen female police officers from across the Division of Area 2, who had given over 30 years of service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), were recognised at the Area 2 Women Police 75th anniversary awards which was held at the Casa Maria hotel in St Mary on Thursday, May 16.

The conference was held under the theme “Health and Weĺlness” where various stakeholders such as Mayberry Investment and the medical services JCF participated in advising on financial and medical well-being.

Guest speaker for the event, Dr Gail Hudson, the programme director of the Transformation Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, told the women that their jobs is one that is ungrateful, “You are in a job that is very ungrateful and it is only up to you to take care of yourself mentally, physically, financially and emotionally.”

She further urged the lawmakers to laugh at themselves as part of relieving the stress.

“Sometimes when you remember running down a criminal and you have to jump over the fence and you drop, look back and laugh at it. It feels good,” she stated.

Dr Hudson further pointed out that with all the elements that might be happening in both personal and work, the job can become overwhelming.

She elaborated that making time for self is important as to lower a mental breakdown saying, “Ladies make time for yourself. Get your facial all the little things that are nice or what makes you feel nice. Make it about you.”

(From left) Awardee for the most warrants executed in the St Ann Police Division, Leonie Henry; Sergeant Elvett Turnbull awarded for the longest service in the division for St Ann;
serving the St Mary Police Division for over 30 years is retiree, Veronica Richards; and District Constable Maysal Davis of the St Mary Police Division, who was also awarded for most warrents executed, is all smiles. (Photos: Ingrid Henry)

In her address to her colleagues, Deputy Superintendent in charge of St Mary, Bobbette Morgan Simpson, announced that she will be going on retirement in October, after serving over three decades in the force.

“I have done 35 years and if I’m to do it again, I would.  I love the Jamaica Constabulary Force,” the senior cop said.

She encouraged her colleagues who will be remaining in the force to save for their retirement.

“Do not wait on what the government will be giving you. Start investing now if you have not. What you get from government let it be brawta,” she stressed.

She added that the lawmen should also invest in themselves.

“Take care of your physical self. Make time to do the little massages and facial so you can look good and feel good about yourself and not stressed out,” she said.

The retirees who had given over 30 years in the force include Area 2 superintendent, Gladys Brown Ellis, Inspector Gladys Reid,  Sergeant Veronica Richards, Sergeant Andrea Bennett, and District Constable Jascinth Wright, all from the St Mary Division.

The retired officers from the St Ann Division are Sergeant Yvonne Notice, Sergeant Patrice Brown, Sergeant Juduth Smith, Corporal Evadney Smith, Corporal E Black, Corporal Angella Richards, and District Constable Marcia Nembhard.

Sergeant Ena Brown, Corporal Yvette Spence, and District Constable Carlene Young Willis from the Portland Division were also among the retiring lawmen.

— Ingrid Henry