Gayle honours local heroes

GAYLE, St Mary:

Nineteen local heroes from Gayle, St Mary, were honoured earlier this week at a special event, which paid tribute to citizens and members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force who have shown considerable commitment to community service.

The Gayle Police and Citizens' Interaction Awards Ceremony, which took place at the Ture Missionary Church in Lucky Hill under the theme 'Recognising our Local Heroes,' featured items from local gospel singers and police youth clubs and an inspiring greeting from Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security Senator Pearnel Charles Jr.

COMMUNITY POLICING

Speaking after the awards show, Charles told Rural Xpress: "Today, we're lifting up the Gayle community, specifically the interaction between the police and citizens here, which seems to be a model for community policing that needs to be replicated across the country.

"What we've seen here is that authentic success comes from the positive deliberations and calculated effort to ensure the police are working with citizens, and so we have awarded a number of district constables and citizens, all of whom I have defined as community heroes.

"They are the backbone, the potential, the people who are there when everybody else comes and goes, so we really have to acknowledge, recognise, salute, and say to them: 'Continue with your good work. You stand as an inspiration for other citizens and members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.'"

Charles added: "What we are trying to do is create a safer nation, and that starts by having individuals take up the mantle and understand they have to get involved, stay alert, and be aware. Those individuals will create safer homes, neighbourhoods, and communities, and that's the only way to create success. There's no other formula."

rural@gleanerjm.com