St. Andrew Central police mark divisional church service at Faith Chapel

Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s St. Andrew Central Division gathered for their divisional church service on Sunday at Faith Chapel, home of the Faith Apostolic Ministries family on Mines Road in St. Andrew.

The worship carried the theme “Serving with hope, faith, and compassion.” Congregants welcomed ministers, church members, and visiting officers, noting that the division usually holds an annual service and chose Faith Chapel as this year’s venue. Online viewers were also greeted.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Michael Fipps, who leads Area 4, addressed the congregation on behalf of the force. He thanked churches for spiritual guidance and support to officers, saying policing is a calling that must pair duty with humanity. He urged members to carry hope to communities weighed down by violence and fear, to anchor their work in faith when the job tests courage and patience, and to enforce the law with compassion so citizens see police as protectors rather than predators.

Dr. Natalie Palmer, who heads administration for St. Andrew Central, represented acting Senior Superintendent Mark Harris, who was unavoidably absent. Deputy Superintendent Walron Jackson represented the Kingston Central commanding officer. Other senior officers present included Deputy Superintendent Henry, in charge of crime for the division, and Deputy Superintendent Hera Heavens, a zone commander. Deputy Superintendent Bailey Finnison introduced guests and partners.

Constable Syrian Macdonald McDaniel read from 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Corporal Tanisha Lewis, director of welfare on the Jamaica Police Federation Central Committee, brought greetings on behalf of the federation and cited Psalms 20:7 and Galatians 5:13 in urging members to serve with integrity and mutual support.

Pastor Dexter Dennis, assistant force chaplain for Area 4, delivered an exhortation titled “Hope is still alive,” drawing on John 20:19–20 and Psalm 127 to remind officers that those who guard communities also need divine covering. Bishop Garfield Daly of Faith Chapel also spoke.

Civic and institutional guests included Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby, Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson, Custos of St. Andrew Hon. Aaron Forbes, representatives from the fire service, and stakeholders linked to Tarrant High School and Tarrant Primary, whose principal and students attended. Justice Clooney was among other partners recognised.

Church leaders prayed for officers on duty and for families, and offered continued partnership in community prayer walks and street services. Sister Nikisha, the church choir director, arranged complimentary blended juices for officers leaving the service. The gathering closed with corporate prayer and the singing of the Jamaican national anthem.