New Anchovy Police Station, a symbol of progress and safety - MP Davis

WESTERN BUREAU:

Parliamentarian Homer Davis says the opening of the new Anchovy Police Station is a defining moment for St James South, the constituency which he represents, and a symbol of national progress under the current government.

Davis, who was speaking at yesterday’s official opening of the facility, described Anchovy as a fast-developing community, where children can play freely and businesses thrive in a secure environment because of the police, who are meeting their mandate to serve and protect the residents.

According to Davis, a former policeman, it is important for a caring government to invest in those who protect the nation by ensuring that they have a fit-for-purpose facility from which to operate.

“How can we expect our officers to do their best if we don’t give them the best facilities? I am sure that when you all go inside you will realise that Anchovy Police Station is the best in St. James at this time,” he said.

Davis described the new facility as “modern, secure and outfitted for service,” while crediting the Government’s infrastructure drive for the new police station.

“This facility is a direct reflection of this Government’s commitment to improving the environment in which our officers operate,” he said, ahead of joining National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang to cut the ribbon to open the station.

“Let me remind all of us that this would not be possible without the solid economic achievement of the Prime Minister Andrew Holness-led administration,”

“Good economic management isn’t just about numbers, it’s about enabling real results – roads, water, school buses, police stations. Our prime minister’s steady hands have allowed progress to break ground literally right here in Anchovy,” he added.

Davis said that the new police station was more than a building, but a symbol of community upliftment.

“It represents confidence. It represents safety. It represents a place where law meets community, not with fear, but with partnership,” he said. “And for my beloved constituency of St James Southern, it’s a reminder that no corner is forgotten. Progress must touch every district, every town, every person.”

REDUCTION IN MAJOR CRIMES

Deputy Commissioner of Police Richard Stewart, who represented the police commissioner at the ceremony, said that the opening of the new police station marks another important milestone in the commitment to develop fit-for-purpose police facilities.

Stewart urged residents to support the station and its mission, noting that the investment in Anchovy could not be more timely.

“While the wider St James division is showing progress, major crimes in the Anchovy Police district itself have increased by 50 per cent, rising from six to 10 incidents, with murders doubling from two to four,” said Stewart. However, these figures still represent a major reduction from the 11 murders recorded in (the) years 2022 and 2023.”

“For the comparative period in 2024, there has been a 59 per cent reduction in murder with 83 murders reported last year, compared to 34 this year,” said Stewart, addressing the bigger picture across St. James. “This is a major success and a direct result of sustained enforcement, intelligence-led policing, and community support.”

“To the residents of Anchovy, this is your police station. Please help us keep this five-star resource well maintained so it can continue to be an asset for years to come,” he said. “Let us move forward together, Anchovy and the wider St. James community, knowing that every step we take toward law and order is a step forward in national development.”