Today, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) celebrates a significant milestone in its history, as ten female officers stand tall among their male counterparts at the 2024 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards. This year’s ceremony holds special meaning, as JCF celebrates 75 years since women first joined the ranks; an institution that has transformed significantly since that time.
The ceremony sees twenty-seven officers recognised for their service to the nation, but the spotlight falls on the ten women being awarded medals of honour for their exceptional contributions. These women represent the evolving face of law enforcement in Jamaica, breaking barriers and continuing a legacy of resilience and excellence in a field that was once heavily male-dominated.
A Pivotal Moment in JCF’s History
The recognition of these ten women comes as the JCF embarks on a year-long celebration of the pioneering efforts of women within the force, in a year marked by reflection and transformation; these honours serve as a testament to the vital role that women have played in shaping the JCF. Commissioner of Police Dr. Kevin Blake previously highlighted the contributions of women as central to the organization’s ongoing efforts to innovate and modernise.
The female officers honoured today includes Senior Superintendent Maxine Reaves, Superintendents Tomielee Chambers and Sheryl-Mae Evadney; Deputy Superintendents Jeanette Davis, Melissa Edwards, Paulett Baker, Jacqueline Green-Denton, Maxine Hyman and Lecia Madden. Their collective decades of service span across multiple divisions of the force, exemplifying a wide range of leadership and expertise.
Deputy Superintendent Maxine Hyman, who has served the JCF for 35 years and is now based at the National Police College of Jamaica (NPCJ), expressed her gratitude for the honour. “I am humbled and honoured that after 35 years, I am being recognised for my service. It is truly a reward for the sacrifices and commitment to the people of Jamaica,” she said, echoing the sentiments of her colleagues.
Recognition of Courage and Dedication
Though the ceremony acknowledges all 27 officers, both male and female, the prominence of the ten women among them highlights the shifting dynamics within the JCF. Women now represent a growing force within law enforcement, and their recognition today is a reminder of how far the institution has come.
Alongside the service medals, Constable Ricardo Fairclough was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honour for Gallantry. Earlier this year, he tragically lost his life after heroically confronting armed men in St Ann in defense of a street vendor. His bravery is a poignant reminder of the dangers that officers face daily in their service to Jamaica.
Shaping the Future of Policing
As the JCF continues to evolve with its mandate of transformation through people, quality, and technology, today’s ceremony offers a moment to reflect on the achievements of its female and male officers alike. The women honoured today, with over two decades of service each, demonstrate that the force is not only changing in numbers but also in the quality of leadership provided by women at every level.
Their recognition today is seen as part of the JCF 75th-anniversary celebrations which signals a bright future for women in policing, and for the JCF as it moves forward in its quest to deliver world-class service to the people of Jamaica.