By Gerald Miller, Freelance Writer
The two motorcars and and motorcycle that were presented to the Savanna-la-Mar police last week, on show under a tent during the handing over ceremony. - Noel Thompson / Freelance Photographer
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE SAVANNA-LA-MAR business community has come to the assistance of the police in the Westmoreland capital with the donation of two motorcars and a motorcycle, valued at just over $1.3 million, which were presented by the Custos of the parish, Owen Sinclair, at a function held last Thursday. The documents and keys for the vehicles were handed to Deputy Commission of Police TG Johnson at a handing-over ceremony at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar.
According to the Custos, the presentation was made against the background of a request from the police for assistance in boosting their fleet of vehicles. The Custos said he had thought of getting just one vehicle but later decided to involve some members of the business community in the town in garnering financial assistance.
The business places that contributed cash to help purchase these units for the police are, Bashco Trading who contributed $100,000; Sigma Unit Trust $75,000.00; the Hammaty Law Firm $50,000.00; National Commercial Bank (NCB) $50,000.00; Dehring Bunting and Golding-50, 000.00; Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) $50,000.00; Shoppers Choice Wholesale $20,000.00; Sinclair's Bargain Centre $880,000,000.
In his response on behalf of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Deputy Commission TG Johnson heaped praise on the Custos and the other persons who assisted in securing the vehicles, "Today I am please to see the public, through our dear Custos Sinclair and other civic minded residents of Westmoreland recognising their role in this partnership and doing so in an exceedingly tangible way". According Johnson, this kind gesture by the residents will certainly help the police to reduce crime in the parish.
"I want to assure the residents of Westmoreland in general that these motor vehicles that have been donated to the Westmoreland police will greatly help us to improve the quality of life of the residents of this parish through our improved capabilities to reduce crime." Johnson also implored the police to use the vehicle in the most "judicious manner." I should like to issue a charge to the police of Westmoreland, who will use these vehicles to use them in the most judicious manner, in order that the people of Westmoreland will get maximum value for their investment," said Johnson.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Clinton Hudson of the Savanna-la-Mar Division said the gesture by the citizens is an indication that the people are willing to work with the police. "I feel very pleased and it shows that the community at large is willing to work with us. It shows also that they have some trust and confidence in us," said Hudson. While Hudson is thankful for the additions to their fleet the Superintendent said they are "still not up to where they should be. At present we have roughly six operational vehicles and we have 11 stations and some other sections that need vehicles, so we still not up to where we should be."
However, Hudson said despite lack of sufficient vehicles in the division the policemen and women are committed to the task of fighting crime, as some police officers have been using their own vehicles in fighting crime in the parish. "The police are committed to serving the people, some have even gone to the extent of using their own resources to go to the scenes of crime and to assist in community development," said Hudson.
