The Washington Gardens Seventh-Day Adventist Church honoured the men and women behind the JCF badges in a memorable Appreciation Service on Sabbath, April 7, 2018.
Over 100 Police Officers from various ranks, converged at 41 Headley Avenue, not in response to a distress call, not as participants in a Special Zone of Operation or State of Emergency; they were there to worship and enjoy the accolades that were given to them by the leaders and members of the church.
The events of the much anticipated day began at precisely 9:00 am. With Sergeant Tedroy Clarke, an elder in his home church, who coordinated the Sabbath School Program. Participants include retired Sergeant of Police Brendalyn Chisolm who prayed, Retired Detective Sergeant of Police Wayne McKenzie who gave a moving testimony and Retired Superintendent Sam Campbell who did the Sabbath School lesson review. The Police choir and band added their typical panache to the morning’s programme and got even better throughout the day.
The host of the Divine worship service, Retired Superintendent of Police, Ionie Ramsay-Nelson, who along with DSP Derrick Richards were the main organizers of the day’s service, extended warm welcome to all who were present.
Special mention was made of Dr. Eric Nathan, President of the East Jamaica Conference; ACP Steve McGregor, who represented the Commissioner of Police; Mr. Fitz Jackson, Opposition spokesman on National Security and the recently appointed Minster of National Security, Dr Horace Chang. A brief greeting was given by each of the officials. Important issues were raised such as the effect of the Noise Abatement Act on night services of the church, the need for greater trust to be established between the citizens and police and the importance of the members of the force being ready to respond to challenges. The overall message however, was the importance of the tremendous outpouring of appreciation to the Jamaica Constabulary Force by the WGSDA church and the ripple effect that it is likely to produce.
