Discovery Bay Police Station named top JCF station in St. Ann

Discovery Bay Police Station has been declared the leading station in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s St. Ann Division, taking the top honour at the parish’s Divisional Conference and Awards Ceremony.

The function was staged at Cardiff Hotel & Spa in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, on Thursday, May 28, under the theme, ‘Delivering Excellence In Policing Through Resilience And Professionalism’. It highlighted the work of police personnel across the parish and brought together members from the division’s 11 stations to mark service, review performance and look at priorities going forward.

Sergeant Mignette Ambersley, Station Commander at Discovery Bay Police Station, said the award reflected the effort and discipline of the officers and staff under her command.

“I just want to say thanks to my team at Discovery Bay Police Station for their hard work, dedication and determination in outnumbering all 11 stations in St. Ann Division and have us emerge the winner,” Sergeant Ambersley outlined.

Her station has about 20 team members, including four sub-officers, eight constables, two district constables and civilian employees. Sergeant Ambersley said the role carries added demands because Discovery Bay operates as a border station between St. Ann and Trelawny, requiring steady leadership, resilience and accountability.

“The way forward from my station is nothing but success. We will continue to be the top station in the division. With my team, their determination, dedication, and commitment, I can assure you that we’ll continue to keep this as a top station,” Sergeant Ambersley said.

The awards event also paid tribute to other members of the St. Ann Division through retiree awards, top performer awards and special presentations.

Inspector Juanita Vessell-Mitchell, now assigned to Area Two Headquarters in Tower Isle, was among those specially recognised. She has given 26 years of service to the division across two separate periods and has led several stations, including Brown’s Town, Claremont, St. Ann’s Bay, Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay.

At another stage in her career, Inspector Vessell-Mitchell also worked as a sub-officer with oversight for divisional operations.

“Hard work and dedication pay off. When you serve the members of the JCF as well as the external members, members of the community, you will be appreciated because someone will see your work and your effort, and you will be rewarded,” said Inspector Vessell-Mitchell.

“So, my advice to my juniors and my fellow colleagues, just serve your country, the people of your country and your community with dignity and respect and someone will see your effort, and you will be rewarded,” she added.

Senior Superintendent of Police Carlos Russell, Commanding Officer for the St. Ann Division, used the ceremony to applaud the awardees while urging others in the division to keep striving.

SSP Russell gave particular praise to Discovery Bay Police Station, noting the performance of the team and the guidance being provided by its leadership. He said strong policing standards must be sustained across St. Ann and reminded officers that residents are relying on them for protection and public safety.

“There are people depending on us, and I believe that we can deliver. We have what it takes, and if we work as a team, and everyone just does what you’re tasked to do, and do it to the best of your ability, I guarantee that we will have success,” SSP Russell underscored.

“We all know the targets that we have for the Division and we all have to work towards them. You know the targets for your station, let us work towards them. It’s one team. Let us all work together as one,” he added.