JCF Area 3 officers gather in Kendall for midyear chaplaincy church service

MANCHESTER — Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Area 3 Chaplaincy Services unit gathered at Shiloh Apostolic Church in Kendall for a midyear worship service centred on the theme "Jesus Our Rock."

The event brought together officers from the Manchester, St. Elizabeth and Clarendon divisions, along with church leaders including Bishop Kingsley Andrews of Shiloh Apostolic Church. Assistant Commissioner Christopher Phillips told those present that the theme was more than a slogan, describing it as a posture for policing that calls officers to stand firm under pressure, pursue justice and protect life with restraint and integrity.

Phillips highlighted Corporal Lesson Blake, Area 3 coordinator for the Constabulary Communications Network, for achievements on the national and international stage. Blake was named among Caribbean recipients of the 30 Under 30 Change Maker Award in Washington, D.C. Roughly one year earlier, he received the Prime Minister's National Youth Award for Excellence in the nation-building category, described in the address as Jamaica's highest youth honour. Phillips also noted that more than 50 Area 3 members appeared on the division's latest honour roll.

Assistant Force Chaplain for Area 3 Pastor Dr. Kevin White, representing the Chaplaincy Services Branch led by Force Chaplain Pastor Dr. Gary Budu Fletcher, greeted the congregation and asked for continued prayer for officers. He cited a recent run of motor vehicle accidents affecting force members and urged churches to support personnel serving across denominational lines.

The programme included musical items from the Manchester Divisional Choir and Inspector Kova, a testimony segment led by Detective Sergeant Evangelist Royal of the Clarendon Division, and a sermon from Minister Tela Men Davis Mendes. Mendes, a JCF member of more than 17 years and a peer counsellor for the St. Catherine South North Division, preached from Exodus 17 on Moses striking the rock at Rephidim to bring water to the people.

Peer counsellors Sergeant Gordon for Manchester and Sergeant Julius Lawson for St. Elizabeth were among those in attendance. Corporal Conrad Martin, peer counsellor for Clarendon, was absent because of illness. Chaplaincy office staff including Nicole Lawson, Nicole Lacy and Priscilla Reed were also acknowledged.

Testimonies shared during the service included accounts of recovery after serious illness and narrowly contained fire damage to business property. Closing prayers were offered for officers returning to duty across the three parishes Area 3 covers, with appeals for protection, wisdom and steadfast service.