THE GOVERNMENT, with the assistance of the National Commercial Bank (NCB), will be spending about $24 million over the next few months to create a convalescent home in St. Elizabeth, to facilitate the recovery of severely injured members of the Police Force.
Burchell Whiteman, the Minister of Information, told journalists yesterday that Cabinet has approved expenditure for the remodelling of an existing single-storey building on High Street, Black River, which should be ready for occupancy early in 2005. The building will be used by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and its auxiliaries.
"The Jamaica Police Federation submitted a proposal for a convalescent home to assist the members of the JCF and its auxiliaries who have been severely injured in the line of duty, to recuperate in a tranquil environment, where special health care will be provided," the Information Minister said. He was speaking at yesterday's regular post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, St. Andrew.
GOOD FOR POLICE MORALE
He added: "The Ministry of National Security has assessed the situation and agrees that the provision of such a facility will contribute significantly to the morale and well-being of the force."
In January, NCB donated $15 million to the Government to assist in the construction of the home. Minister Whiteman told The Gleaner yesterday that the National Security Ministry would be responsible for the remaining $8.7 million.
During yesterday's briefing, the Information Minister noted that it has been estimated that 40 police officers have been injured in the line of duty in the past five years. The injuries, he added, range from loss of limbs to paralysis and have required up to two months' recuperation after release from hospital.
