News
JAM | Jun 25, 2023

Councillor candidate raises alarm over lack of police vehicles at Retreat Police Station, urges immediate action for public safety

/ Our Today

administrator
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Jouvaughnie Byfield, Councillor Candidate for the Gayle Division (Contributed photo)

Councillor Candidate for the Gayle Division, Jouvaughnie Byfield, is voicing serious concerns over the alarming lack of police vehicles at the Retreat Police Station in Western St Mary. 

The current situation has resulted in officers resorting to using their personal vehicles to respond to reports or relying on the assistance of others for transportation. This issue poses a significant threat to public safety in the fairly large community of Retreat, considering that the neighbouring police unit in Gayle is already stretched beyond its capacity.

Expressing his strong dissatisfaction, Byfield declares, “The current lack of police vehicles at the Retreat Police Station is completely unacceptable and demands immediate attention from the relevant authorities. Law enforcement officers are indispensable in maintaining peace, security, and order within our communities, and it is essential that they are equipped to carry out their duties effectively.”

Given the size of the Retreat community, a well-equipped police force is crucial to tackle its unique challenges and ensure a strong presence.

Jouvaughnie Byfield, Councillor Candidate for the Gayle Division

Byfield underscores the urgency of the matter, as it directly affects the ability of law enforcement officers to respond promptly to incidents, emergencies, and citizen complaints.

“With officers resorting to using personal vehicles or relying on the assistance of others for transportation, not only are their safety compromised, but unnecessary delays in addressing criminal activities and maintaining public order are also introduced. Given the size of the Retreat community, a well-equipped police force is crucial to tackle its unique challenges and ensure a strong presence”, he added.

In light of the gravity of the situation, Byfield calls upon the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of National Security and the Jamaica Constabulary Force, to take immediate action to rectify the dire circumstances at the Retreat Police Station. Byfield emphasises the urgent need for an adequate number of operational police vehicles to be provided without delay, as it is imperative for the safety and security of the community and its residents.

Send feedback to [email protected]

Comments

What To Read Next

News JAM Dec 8, 2025

Reading Time: < 1 minuteDanielle Archer, the Principal Director of National Integrity Action (NIA), one of Jamaica’s foremost anti-corruption bodies, has resigned from her position. The organisation announced on Monday that her resignation will take effect on December 31.

Archer, who replaced NIA founder Professor Trevor Munroe in May 2023, has been a prominent and vocal critic of the nation’s governance framework. Her outspokenness often drew sharp criticism from members of Jamaica’s political directorate during her tenure.

News JAM Dec 8, 2025

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) says Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Dr Gabrieele Henry continues to receive specialised medical care in Thailand and will soon return to Jamaica under full medical supervision.

Henry suffered a serious fall through an opening on the stage while performing her walk during the preliminary competition on November 19, 2025, resulting in an intracranial haemorrhage with loss of consciousness, a fracture, facial lacerations and other significant injuries.

News JAM Dec 8, 2025

Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Central Executive, which met on Sunday, December 7, has passed two resolutions for intensified support for citizens impacted by Hurricane Melissa and the cancellation of the party’s conference and reelection en bloc of the officer corps of the JLP.

“The Central Executive passed on its condolences to families who have lost loved ones and took note of Jamaicans who are still without basic services: electricity, water, internet service, roadways, and proper garbage collections,” Robert Montague, Chairman of the JLP, said.