Senior journalist at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Garfield Agnus, is praising officers from the Lacovia Police Station for their assistance after he became stranded in the parish while covering hurricane relief efforts on November 12, 2025.

Agnus was reporting on a hurricane relief initiative led by Clarendon’s Custos Rotulorum, Edith Chin, following the impact of Hurricane Melissa on October 28. The initiative involved the distribution of prefabricated houses and care packages to residents in St Elizabeth.

While travelling through a remote section of the parish, Agnus’ vehicle developed an electrical problem and stalled, leaving him stranded.

“It was very frightening. You are in an area where you hardly see any humans. I had valuables with me,” he told Observer Online.

Despite suggestions that he abandon the assignment, Agnus chose to continue, stressing the importance of informing the public about available post-hurricane support. With help from a Good Samaritan, he was able to reach the event and complete his coverage.

“I decided I wouldn’t abandon the assignment,” the journalist said.

Afterwards, he went to the Lacovia Police Station to seek assistance in having his vehicle towed. He expressed gratitude to Corporal Donna Roberson, who made several calls until she located someone with a piece of rope; Corporal Patrick Simpson, who towed the vehicle; and community member Junior Pusey, who, along with Corporal Simpson, helped to push the car so it could be parked at the station.

Agnus said the officers’ kindness was also commended by several young men in the community, who shouted: “Yes, squaddy, so we must live squaddy.”

“The most touching part was when Corporal Robertson was basically in charge of the vehicle. She sourced a technician, and that technician and apparently, the job was bigger than him. But the man was taken from his place to the station, so he had to be paid, and without consultation with me, she went into her pocket and paid the technician,” he said.

The journalist said the police officers and Pusey went outside of their call of duty to rescue him. As a result, he sought to repay their kindness through donations from the Caribbean/African diaspora organisation, The Pollyanna Project. The officers were presented with gift packages in recognition of their outstanding service and compassion.

“You don’t see these things happen every day and I believe the officers went out of their call of duty along with the community person, Mr Pusey,” Agnus said.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of The Pollyanna Project, Donna Moore Stewart, said: “The Pollyanna Project chose to recognise the Lavocia police department as they were instrumental in helping a civil servant who was in distress. The Pollyanna wishes to recognise many more emergency workers for their selflessness and dedication to their countrymen.”

Agnus said the officers were appreciative of the donation.