Chinese ambassador hails security force in St James
Published:Friday | February 2, 2018 | 12:00 AMPaul Clarke/Gleaner Writer
The People's Republic of China remains a strong and committed partner to Jamaica, says Ambassador Niu Qingboa in praising the police for the improved crime situation in St James.
"I want to congratulate the Jamaica Constabulary Force for the improved crime situation. It is a remarkable improvement, with only one murder committed (in that parish) since the state of emergency," he said.
He was addressing the handover ceremony for a laser printer and an A/C unit at the Police Commissioner's Office on Old Hope Road in Kingston yesterday.
Ten firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition have been found and an illegal petroleum trade smashed since the security forces flooded into the western parish.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a resolution to extend the state of emergency in St James by another three months. This means that the measure will remain in force until May 2, 2018.
Newly appointed Acting Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake expressed his gratitude for the gifts, thanking the Chinese for delivering on their promise in assisting the police in whatever way possible.
"Ambassador Qingboa not only promised, but delivered on his promise. We are grateful that he has kept his word, and I am sure that the partnership between the Chinese Embassy and the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) will continue to flourish," Blake said.
The Four Paths Police Station is to receive the A/C unit, while the printer will go to the police 119 emergency centre, located at the commissioner's office.