KINGSTON, Jamaica — Police Commissioner Kevin Blake has been leading a team of Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) volunteers in relief and recovery operations across western Jamaica, following the devastation caused by Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which battered the region last week.

On Wednesday, the team concentrated their efforts on restoring the Barnett Street Police Station in St James. Working alongside members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, they carried out essential repairs, cleaned the compound and surrounding areas, and provided much-needed support to police personnel and residents as part of efforts to restore normalcy and community morale.

Among the concerns in western Jamaica was that of the JCF maintaining public order amid widespread hardship. With thousands left homeless and struggling to access food and water, officers have had to utilise persuasive tactics to discourage looting and property damage.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, praised the JCF for their dual role in maintaining security and delivering humanitarian aid, highlighting Commissioner Blake’s hands-on leadership in the field.

“The JCF is not to be outdone because, whilst we look upon the police mainly as a security force, you would be surprised that they fill the gap, being the social worker, firefighter, helping with medical issues. The commissioner led the way with his power saw, cutting down trees, you can see that they were multi-functional in the disaster, again commendations to them,” Holness told Parliament in a session dominated by issues relating to recovery efforts after the most post powerful hurricane to have made landfall in Jamaica left billions in damage to critical infrastructure including businesses, schools, roadways and hospitals.