Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland — Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) who are assigned to the Westmoreland Police Divisional Headquarters in Savanna-la-Mar will have to endure challenging working conditions for another six months as the Government places priority on completing the new $2.7-billion headquarters in Llandilo.

“That is all the focus because that is the Sav-la-Mar HQ,” Minister of National Security and Peace Dr Horace Chang told the Jamaica Observer Monday.

The historic building was severely damaged during the passage of Hurricane Melissa last October. Cops now work from a hodgepodge of spaces, including containers and a building at the back of the station previously used as a meeting room. Some residents who have business to conduct at the station have to stand at a window while others sit and wait outside, exposed to the elements.

“We have recognised the problem. It would have reached this stage, but we have to build the station. And that takes time. But it is on time and on budget,” the minister insisted.

Ground was broken for the three-storey, 65,000-square-foot facility in March 2024. It is being constructed by M&M Construction Limited as part of the Ministry of National Security’s Project ROC (Rebuild, Overhaul, and Construct). Since then the project has endured two storms — Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and Hurricane Melissa in 2025. However, work is said to be progressing well, with completion currently estimated to be at 80 per cent.

Looking ahead, Dr Chang has suggested a possible use for the historic building once the new HQ is up and running.

“When it’s finished, we may look at refurbishing the place and have a post down there, but the priority [of] what we’re dealing with now is finishing a new state-of-the-art police station for Westmoreland,” he said.

When completed, the new headquarters, which impressed residents often liken to a hotel, will be equipped with state-of-the-art security technologies in alignment with e-policing initiatives, accommodate specialised units, and coordinate operations across the parish’s 11 police stations.

The new facility will also be bolstered by elevators; fire protection facilities; a guard house; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; Internet and telephone connectivity network; sewage treatment plant, standby power plant, and parking lots.

During Monday’s interview, Minister Chang also spoke about refurbishing work done on stations such as Bethel Town and Whitehouse. They were also damaged by the Category 5 storm.

“The physical structure for the police stations is in pretty good order,” he argued, adding that Frome and Little London stations were totally rebuilt and are now in operation.

Dr Chang, who highlighted the hard work of the Westmoreland police in bringing down homicides, appeared confident the cops know they are valued, even if it is taking a while to improve their working conditions.

“They are fully aware, they have been to the opening, they were at Little London, they were at Frome, and they are seeing the work, and I know they are proud of their new station,” stated Dr Chang.

“I don’t think I have to give them any greater word of encouragement. They have seen the Government’s commitment to improving their environment. I mean, we can’t stop the station where it is now,” he added.

Containers to the left and a concrete building at the back of Savanna-la-Mar Police Station (Photo: Anthony Lewis)