Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising police infrastructure and enhancing public safety.

“This is not just a dream; this is actually a reality that we’re witnessing here today. Today we’re here to witness a reality, today we’re here to cut another ribbon, to showcase a reality where our men and our women in uniform who serve the JCF should be treated with dignity,” she said while speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Stony Hill Police Station in St Andrew on Wednesday, July 31.

Reflecting on the station’s previous condition, the state minister recalled that when she took office in 2016, the facility was in a state of disrepair. “I have to say that I lobbied the government because the building was in need of repair. Fast forward a few years later, and the government saw the need to improve police working conditions by modernising infrastructure. They wanted to bolster the public confidence and enhance community engagement.”

She revealed that during a visit to the station, she was disturbed to see officers expected to rest and work in a space with a collapsing ceiling—an experience that underscored the urgent need for investment in police infrastructure.

This, Cuthbert-Flynn said, led to the launch of the Ministry of National Security’s transformational agenda to Rebuild, Overhaul and Construct (R.O.C) over 200 police facilities.   

The objective of project R.O.C. is to convert all police stations into modern, citizen-friendly workspaces, provide officers with a comfortable environment conducive to work, while creating an ambience for citizens to willingly and comfortably engage the police.

“And we are here today to witness this beautiful building, this purpose-built for our police officers. This government is committed to providing better infrastructure for all. With this new station, we should have higher morale that should translate into better policing.”

Cuthbert-Flynn pointed to broader national gains in public safety, including an 18 per cent decrease in the murder rate in 2024. However, she acknowledged ongoing challenges in Stony Hill, where a few double murders were recorded.

“We went further and lobbied for the Jamaica Eye. Again, we are building out infrastructure in Jamaica. The Jamaica Eye is in Stony Hill Square. The Jamaica Eye is in the Golden Spring Square. And you’re going to get better policing from our police officers,” Cuthbert-Flynn continued.

The minister also issued a direct message to young people involved in criminal activity, urging them to desist. “I want to take this moment to urge our young men and our young boys to seize the use of firearms. The police possess advanced technological capabilities for detection, and they will utilise these resources. The implementation of Jamaica Eye, as I mentioned in Stony Hill, will catch your movements.”

Highlighting the significance of the new facility to the Stony Hill and Brandon Hill Division, Cuthbert-Flynn underscored the government’s resolve to take public safety seriously.

“Today, again, is not just the opening of a building. It is the opening of a new chapter for Stony Hill—a chapter that says we are serious about public safety, about supporting our police, and about building strong, resilient communities,” she said.

In closing, Cuthbert-Flynn reiterated her commitment to continued service. “As a member of parliament, I plan to be here another term. I remain committed to delivering real results and real development. We have come a far way. And with the continued partnership that we see here today, there is so much more ahead. Let us move forward together—united in purpose, grounded in community, and always, always choosing progress.”