St Mary councillors urge JCF return to full council meetings amid security concerns

ST MARY, Jamaica — Councillor for the Retreat Division, Daedre Moulton, is urging the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to resume attending regular sittings of the St Mary Municipal Corporation rather than limiting its participation to Disaster Committee meetings.

Moulton, a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) councillor, said police representation has declined since the change. She noted that when the JCF attended full council meetings, the superintendent or a senior representative was usually present, providing councillors with comprehensive updates on security issues across the parish.

She argued that since the shift to Disaster Committee meetings, both the quality of information and level of representation have diminished.

“When the representative comes, either they are late or lack information,” she noted. With many community security concerns needing answers, Moulton said proper representation at regular council sittings is necessary.

Councillor for the Hampstead Division, Mitzy Hudson-Hicks, supported the call.

Chairman of the council, Fitzroy Wilson, said he had discussed the matter with St Mary Superintendent of Police Anthony Wallace. Wilson said Wallace indicated that meeting notices are not always received or seen in time and requested earlier reminders to help ensure attendance.