Gov't and special constabulary arrive at payment agreement

After an emergency meeting on Saturday with delegates at Harman Barracks, on Barnett Street, Montego Bay, St James, the Special Constabulary Force Association (SCFA) expressed its acceptance of the Government's proposal to finally bring an amicable end to outstanding aspects of the 2008-09 Heads of Agreement.

The Government's proposal, which was presented to the delegates without prejudice, is as follows:

1. Implement the seven per cent wage increase with effect from April 1, 2011; commence payments in September, 2011 and either:

a) Pay the five months' arrears (April to August) in full in December; or

b) Pay one month's arrears in September and four months' arrears in December.

2. Pay the two years' outstanding amount which is estimated to be $21.1 billion, as a one-off payment within 26 months of April 1, 2012 in the following manner:

a) Five payments in equal instalments of $4.22 billion in May 2012, October 2012, May 2013, October 2013, and May 2014; or

b) Three payments of $8.44 billion in October 2012, $8.44 billion in October 2013 and $4.22 billion in May 2014.

Delegate decision

The delegates voted to accept payments as outlined in points 1 (b) and 2 (a). This decision will be communicated to Senator Arthur Williams at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Sector by Monday, June 20, 2011.

Chairman of the SCFA, Special Inspector St George Jackson, says the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) is grateful to Jamaica for understanding and supporting them in their bid to cause their hardworking members to get what is lawfully theirs. He says the people of Jamaica can continue to expect the same quality and commitment to service exhibited by the ISCF as it plays its part in building Jamaica.