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

Thirty-five young men from cohorts four and five of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Cadet Academy received their certificates and diplomas on Wednesday, 25 June 2026, during a ceremony at the National Police College of Jamaica.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Tanishia Johnson, the academy’s principal, told the gathering that thirty-four graduates have chosen to move into JCF basic training. One cadet will instead begin studies at the University of the West Indies in September. The class of 2026 spent between one and two years at the institution, which the force owns and operates as a registered secondary school for males aged sixteen and seventeen.

The academy opened in September 2021, with classes starting on 11 October that year. It was created to give cadets academic qualifications while preparing them for police service, higher education, or the wider workforce. Students follow Ministry of Education curricula at grades ten through twelve and sit CSEC, CAPE, City & Guilds, and other examinations. The programme also includes drills, physical training, mentorship, and work-study placements across JCF departments.

Vice Principal Sergeant Novar Bell welcomed guests and praised the graduates’ discipline and transformation. Guest speaker Elton Johnson, chief education officer for physical education and sports at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, urged the young men to remain “shaped by discipline” and “driven by purpose.” Assistant Commissioner Merrick Watson, director of the National Police College, said the academy has become one of the most sought-after secondary institutions in Jamaica and reminded parents to stay involved as their sons enter adult life.

Apostle David Williams of Miracle Signs and Wonders Church presented scholarships of $25,000 each to cadets Maurice Green of St. Mary and Justin Brown of Mountain View, along with a $50,000 contribution to the academy. Valedictorians Anthony Clark and Javier Parchment reflected on rigorous daily routines, including early-morning training, and credited staff for shaping them into disciplined leaders.

Special awards recognised top academic performers, leadership, drill, physical education, defensive tactics, and acts of kindness among the graduating class.