A proposal to formally recognise the sacrifices of Jamaica’s security forces was put forward in the Senate on Friday, as Government Senator Marlon Morgan moved a motion calling for the establishment of a national Security Forces Day to honour members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

“Be it resolved, that Jamaica fosters a culture of respect and solidarity by declaring and observing the Wednesday preceding Father’s Day in June of each year as Security Forces Day, not dissimilar to Teachers’ Day, which is observed in May of each year on the Wednesday preceding Mother’s Day. This, as a fitting and a long overdue way of demonstrably affirming, honouring, and celebrating the hard-working men and women serving in our security forces,” Morgan tabled.

He said the initiative is aimed at recognising the critical role played by the country’s security forces in maintaining law and order, safeguarding national security, and confronting Jamaica’s long-standing crime challenge.

Morgan noted that the work of the country’s security forces has become increasingly demanding, particularly against the backdrop of persistent violent crime and limited resources.

“And whereas Jamaica’s historical and persistent crime problem — particularly our epidemic of violence, one toward the other — have rendered the work of the JCF and the JDF particularly difficult and hazardous, and whereas members of our security forces have to undertake their very difficult job with resource constraints, oftentimes making considerable personal sacrifice,” the motion stated.

He also pointed to the significant transformation under way within the JCF, citing improvements in training, accountability, technology, and investigative capacity.

According to Morgan, these reforms have contributed to growing public confidence in the nation’s security services.

The senator also highlighted recent declines in violent crime as evidence of the impact of sustained investment in national security, citing official crime figures, noting “the 8 per cent reduction in murders in 2023, the 19 per cent reduction in murders in 2024, and the massive 43 per cent reduction in murders in 2025”.

Morgan argued that these results were achieved through the combined efforts of the security forces and the wider public.

At the heart of the motion is a proposal for Jamaica to formally recognise the service of its security personnel through an annual observance.

The senator argued that formal recognition would help strengthen morale among officers who operate under increasingly difficult conditions, while reinforcing public appreciation for their service.

“It is of critical importance that the people of Jamaica affirm our security forces, pay homage to their tremendous personal and collective sacrifice, and boost their morale by tangibly celebrating them,” he said.