Opposition welcomes appointment of Kevin Blake as new police commissioner

The Opposition has welcomed the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake as the new Commissioner of Police.

The announcement was made by Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang at this morning's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

Blake will take over on March 19, replacing Major General Antony Anderson whose contract expires on March 18. 

In a statement today, the Opposition said it will be carefully observing his performance in the new role.  

“The Opposition also uses the occasion of this appointment to remind the new commissioner that the JCF Act gives sole operational superintendence of the force to the commissioner, while policy is the purview of the Minister/Cabinet, and in some cases - like extending a State of Emergency - to Parliament. We therefore caution him not to involve the JCF in public advocacy for matters that the Constitution reserves for Parliament, and on which there is no political consensus.”

It further appealed for professionalism and impartially in the operation of the force.

“As we approach an election season, we also remind the commissioner that it is especially important that the JCF be seen as an impartial and professional force whose operations should support the democratic process rather than one party or another's interests.”

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.