Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
FOUR MONTHS after the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) established a fund to assist the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) with purchases of much needed equipment, the police have now submitted their wish list.
Gilbert Scott, permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security, told The Gleaner yesterday that he sent the list to the PSOJ's chief executive officer, Lola Fong-Wright 10 days ago. But up to yesterday, PSOJ president Beverley Lopez said she had not seen it.
Mrs. Fong-Wright did not return calls by The Gleaner to her office yesterday.
While he did not elaborate on the content of the list, Mr. Scott said it includes equipment the police high command believe is critical in its fight against crime.
"Based on the agreement between ourselves and GraceKennedy the money would be used to acquire technologies to assist in the investigative process," said Mr. Scott.
MILLIONS PLEDGED
In May, Douglas Orane, CEO at Grace, Kennedy and Company, pledged J$5 million to a private sector fund which was established to help purchase top-of-the-line equipment for the JCF.
The fund was set up in the aftermath of the PSOJ's day-long, anti-crime drive in May which culminated with a rally at Emancipation Park in St. Andrew.
In a recent interview with The Gleaner, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields said the JCF needed to update its forensic and DNA capabilities to help solve key cases.
Ms. Lopez told The Gleaner that several private sector companies have honoured their promise to support the police. She said Carib Cement had already donated 1,000 bags of cement while other companies have helped in repairing police stations across the country.
