JCF pushes road-safety message at Skvnk Fest 2026 car culture event

The Jamaica Constabulary Force took its road-safety campaign into Jamaica’s car culture space at Skvnk Fest 2026, where families, community partners and motoring enthusiasts gathered for the event. Constable Kiera Newland hosted the segment, speaking with Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, organisers and patrons about safer driving and the Force’s presence at the show.

Blake said the turnout was strong and in keeping with his expectations, despite concerns about possible rain. He noted that a blood drive held the previous day at the Chest Hospital was also well supported even with rainfall, which gave him confidence that people would still attend Skvnk Fest.

The commissioner said the JCF’s involvement in motorsport is intentional, aimed at carrying road-safety messages directly to people who enjoy cars, motorcycles and racing. He said the Force wants Jamaicans to enjoy the sport responsibly, with the central appeal being: “race on the track, not on the road.” Blake also referred to the JCF’s Integra Type R and mentioned racing at Vernam Fields on August 8 and 9.

He described police officers as part of the same communities they serve, saying JCF members are citizens first and share many of the interests enjoyed by Jamaicans generally. According to Blake, events like Skvnk Fest help strengthen the relationship between the police and the public through shared interests.

Blake also linked road safety to the wider effort to save lives. He said cooperation among the JCF, the Government of Jamaica, citizens and other stakeholders helped reduce murders, with 825 fewer people killed by criminals between 2022 and 2025. He urged motorists not to lose those lives through crashes, speeding, drinking and driving, or illegal racing.

One organiser said Skvnk Fest grew from a planned car reveal into a wider car show involving friends, young people, corporate sponsors and motorsport fans. Patrons welcomed the JCF partnership, saying police presence helped people feel secure and showed that members of the Force also connect with car culture.