St James Police Ball hits high note

Karrie Williams, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Glitz and glamour reigned at the Montego Bay Convention Centre last Saturday night when scores of police officers and community representatives turned out to celebrate the St James Police Civic Committee (PCC) third annual police ball.

The evening of elegance, which featured high fashion, a three-course dinner menu and instrumental musical entertainment, honoured St James' most outstanding policemen and women and attracted colleagues from as far afield as Detroit, Michigan.

The ball, which was supported by a host of corporate donors, was headlined by the financial entity Proven Wealth for the second year in a row, and through portfolio adviser, Allison Callam, they pledged their continued support for the PCC.

"We at Proven value the committee's efforts at bridging the gap between the police and civilians as a wealth-management company. Our commitment is not only to be the standard of success for the financial sector, we also aim to help in whatever way we can as a corporate citizen ... . Proven intends to continue showing our support to the committee and we would like to congratulate them for all of their efforts and for hosting another successful ball," Callam affirmed attendees.

Sustaining law and order

Ambassador Curtis A. Ward, who delivered the night's keynote address, lauded the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for its efforts at sustaining law and order and encouraged everyone to adhere to their civic duty in supporting the JCF.

"We have every right to expect a first-class police force and, with it, a society where crime is an aberration rather than the norm. Conversely, we also believe that it is our responsibility to help to create such a safe and secure environment in which to carry out our activities," said Ward.

"While we expect the Government to have the primary role in solving these problems, it behooves all of us, and in particular those who are fortunate to contribute to the process. We don't ignore the fact that those on whose shoulders we have placed responsibility for our safety and security are for the most part under- resourced to carry out the tasks we have assigned them. Therefore, we owe it to ourselves and to our nation to contribute as best we can, whatever our individual and collective capacities allow," he further added.

Among the top awardees for the night was Constable Howard Thompson, who received a special award from the PCC for his dedication and tenacity. As part of his reward, Thompson will be getting an all-expense paid trip to visit a number of police stations in Detroit.

Corporal Shamar Grant, from the Marine Division, won for most outstanding police officer (2013) and Coral Gardens Police Station took home the prize for best-kept station.

Vice-chairman of the PCC, Andre Dixon, was recognised by chairman Dr Lee Baily for his unwavering commitment to the organisation.

Amid the glitz and glamour, ball coordinator Janet Silvera also took time out to call for a moment's silence for those police officers killed in the line of duty this year, and asked everyone to remember their courageousness and their ultimate sacrifice paid to society.

Photos by Karrie Williams