JCF Cadet Academy graduates 35 young men from cohorts 4 and 5

The Jamaica Constabulary Force Cadet Academy marked a milestone on June 25, 2026, graduating 35 young men from cohorts 4 and 5 during a ceremony at the National Police College of Jamaica.

Deputy Superintendent Tanishia Johnson, the academy’s principal, told the gathering that 34 graduates had chosen to move into JCF basic training, while one cadet opted instead to begin studies at the University of the West Indies in September. She said the decision to join the force was voluntary, not compulsory.

The Cadet Academy is a registered secondary institution owned and operated by the JCF. It opened in September 2021, with classes starting on October 11 that year and an initial enrolment of 42 boys. The programme targets males aged 16 and 17, combining Ministry of Education curriculum at grades 10–12 with police-focused training, mentorship, drills and work-study placements across JCF departments.

Assistant Commissioner Merrick Watson, director of the National Police College, said the academy had become one of the most sought-after high schools in Jamaica. He credited Deputy Commissioner Richard Stewart with the original concept and urged parents to remain involved as graduates enter adult life.

Guest speaker Elton Johnson, chief education officer for physical education and sports in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, addressed the class under the theme “Shaped by Discipline, Driven by Purpose.” He urged the graduates to maintain the standards instilled at the academy.

Johnson also outlined recent academy achievements, including a $450,000 purchase of three air-conditioning units for classrooms by the graduating cohort, renovation of the IT lab funded by a prior class contribution of $510,000, and scholarships from Miracle Signs and Wonders Church totalling $50,000 to the school plus $25,000 each for cadets Justin Brown and Maurice Green.

Valedictorians Anthony Clark and Javier Parchment reflected on rigorous daily routines, from early-morning devotion and drill to academic preparation for CSEC and CAPE examinations. Special awards recognised standout performance in leadership, academics, physical education and community service, with Kenneth Andrew Davis among several honourees.