Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake is flanked by Superintendent Dezeta Taylor (left) and Woman Inspector Sharon Beeput at the farewell party in his honour, held at the Area One police headquarters in Montego Bay last Wednesday night. ACP Blake has been transferred from Area One to command the Mobile Reserve team in Kingston. - Photos by Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

A large contingent of police personnel, from constables to senior superintendents, retired officers and civilians, flocked the Area One police headquarters in Montego Bay last Wednesday night to say farewell to Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake.

ACP Blake, who is currently in charge of the Area One division, has been transferred to command the Mobile Reserve squad in Kingston. His transfer takes effect in two weeks' time. Assistant Commissioner Denver Frater, who is now in charge of the Criminal Investigation Branch islandwide, will replace ACP Blake.

"For there to be a real impact and suppression of crime in Area One and, in particular, St James, there must be a strong collaboration between the police and citizens working together." That's the message ACP Blake says he is leaving with the citizens and police in Area One. He served there for 22 months.

Citizens supportive

Retired Inspector of Police Egbert Broadbell shows some fancy footwork.

"My experience over the years with the citizens in Area One is that the majority are very supportive of law enforcement, and are always willing and ready to work with the police as critical stakeholders in the management of crime and the reduction in the fear of crime. I will endeavour to build on the good work that has been done by my predecessor in the interest of everyone," said ACP Frater.

ACP Frater has served the Jamaica Constabulary Force for the last 30 years, 20 of which were spent in Area One. The last 10 years were spent in Kingston and St Catherine, where he moved up the ranks to assistant commissioner.

From left: Superintendent Dezeta Taylor of the St James police division; Inspector Winston Milton, retired Deputy Superintendent Currie Smith; Superintendent Cyrill Brissett, deputy commanding officer in charge of Westmoreland; Corporal Joslyn Stewart, assigned to St James; and Deputy Superintendent Dermot Lawrence, commanding officer in charge of Westmoreland.

'Irie chefs' from Montego Bay are busy preparing the meals for police personnel at a farewell party.

Chaplain for the Area One police division, Rev Courtney Walters (left), converses with Inspector Tyrone Richards, sub-officer in charge of the Granville police division in St James.