Gov’t and police sign four-year wage agreement

Jamaica Information Service – The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and the Jamaica Police Federation (JPF), on Friday (December 14), signed a Heads of Agreement for a four-year 16 per cent wage increase for rank and file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The agreement, which includes a combination of provisions relating to service and conditions of work, covers the period 2017 to 2021.

Addressing the brief signing ceremony at the Ministry’s offices in Kingston, portfolio Minister, Dr Nigel Clarke, said he was pleased that an agreement had been reached after 13 meetings between representatives of the Ministry and the JPF, dating back to 2017.

He noted that the discussions, though extensive, “were held in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect, for which I am very grateful”.

“Security is the number-one issue in Jamaica, and rank and file members, on a daily basis, are on the frontlines. So we, at the Ministry of Finance, are pleased that this matter has been put to rest,” he added.

JPF Chair, Corporal Arleen McBean, for her part, said that the members are “quite comfortable” with the package that the Government has offered.

Minister of Finance Dr Nigel Clarke (left) and Jamaica Police Federation head Corporal Arlene McBean (second left), display the Heads of Agreement for a four-year 16-per cent wage increase. The proceedings were witnessed by Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang (second right), and General Secretary of the Jamaica Police Federation Inspector Sheldon Gordon. Donald De La Haye Photo

National Security Minister, Dr Horace Chang, who witnessed the proceedings, said he was satisfied with the conclusion of the negotiations, which he described as an “important step, going forward”.

“We have two years now in which we can look at how we can mould the police force, and we can discuss other areas that will be critical in building out the kind of police force that the Jamaica Police Federation and the entire Jamaica wants,” he noted.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dianne McIntosh, and other members of the JPF executive attended the signing ceremony.

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