Gloom hovers over ISCF 60th anniversary service

Nedburn Thaffe, Gleaner Writer

Tears trickled down the faces of several family members yesterday as the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) honour guard laid roses in observance of 11 of their fallen colleagues who have died since September of last year.

The observance was one of the main highlights of the ISCF 60th anniversary commemoration and thanksgiving service, held at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Kingston yesterday.

Not even the arms of the more mature family members could provide solace for the children who fought to hold back tears, as Michael Jackson's Gone Too Soon penetrated the congregation.

Several top brass of the ISCF and the Jamaica Constabulary Force who were present also paid tribute to the members who died, some in the line of duty, and others by natural causes.

Yesterday, Minister of National Security Dwight Nelson, in his address to the congregation, said Jamaicans owe a "huge debt of gratitude" to the men and women of the force.

"The professionalism demonstrated by the men and women who have served the ISCF can never be overlooked or undervalued," Nelson said. "There can be no question that the overwhelming display of professionalism has allowed the few instances of errant behaviour to be subdued."

In commenting on the recent killing of Special Corporal Garfield Anderson, who was gunned down last Thursday, Nelson said the outpouring of outrage was testament to the professionalism demonstrated by several members of the force.

"That this murder generates the kind of response from the community is yet another demonstration of the professionalism and the dedication to service by members of the Island Special Constabulary Force."

He urged the policemen and women to continue the fight to rescue Jamaica from crime.

Fallen ISCF personnel honoured

Special Corporal Alexander White

Special Inspector Lansdale Pinnock

Special Constable Metro McFarlane

Special Constable Clive Virgo

Special Constable Norman Nunez

Special Corporal Jeffrey Hogg

Special Constable Jermaine Burke

Special Corporal Jermaine Cummings

Special Constable James Lemmie

Special Constable Mickhail Hogarth

Special Corporal Garfield Anderson