Above: the Jamaica Constabulary Force (Photo: JCF)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The United States government has donated protective gear and vehicles to the Jamaica Constabulary Force in a boost to the country’s crime-fighting efforts.

The equipment includes 20 vehicles, 500 ballistic vests and 500 tactical uniforms and is valued at around $746,000.

“I know that the men and women out there on the front lines are going to benefit from the use of the ballistic vests,” said National Security Minister Peter Bunting. “We probably need 300 vehicles in the short-term to really have an impact. But we are certain that the 20 vehicles will have an impact in the areas where they are deployed.”

Bunting said Jamaica looked forward to “continued cooperation and to strengthen and deepen our bonds in the future.”

US Ambassador to Jamaica Pamela Bridgewater said the gifts were an example of the “longstanding commitment and partnership” between the US and Jamaica.