JCF Chaplaincy reaffirms commitment to officers’ well-being
Published:Saturday | January 10, 2026 | 12:07 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
The Non-Geographic Formations No. 2 Chaplaincy Services Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reaffirmed its commitment to the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of its members when it hosted its annual prayer breakfast earlier this week at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.
Held under the theme, ‘Thankful for the Victories, Trusting God for the Vision Ahead’,the gathering brought together about 80 officers and guests in an atmosphere of gratitude, encouragement and renewed faith. It provided a sacred space for reflection and thanksgiving for members of the JCF serving on the frontlines of national security.
The event, held on Wednesday, was organised by Reverend Dr Courtney Faulknor, chief assistant chaplain in charge of Non-Geographic Formations No. 2. While the Chaplaincy Services Branch is mandated to provide psychological, emotional and spiritual support to all members of the JCF, this year’s observance was tailored for officers in the Specialised Operations Branch (SO) and the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), units that face intense operational demands daily.
Reflecting on the challenges of 2025, including the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, the gathering emphasised resilience, survival and gratitude for victories achieved despite adversity. Officers were urged to remain steadfast in faith as they look ahead to a new year of service.
Delivering the featured address, Reverend Astor Carlyle, senior pastor at Webster Memorial United Church, underscored the unseen sacrifices made by members of the security forces.
“As a nation, we celebrate the significant reduction in major crimes, but I wonder how many persons take the time to consider the intricate and labour-intensive work done behind the scenes, the countless meetings, the sleepless nights,” Carlyle said.
He reminded attendees that peace and safety often enjoyed by civilians come at great personal cost to those who protect the nation. “Victories we are thankful for and the vision we pursue of a safe and productive nation don’t come by wishing and wanting. They come from working,” he emphasised.
Carlyle challenged members of the JCF to uphold strong moral character, noting that the strength of any institution lies in the integrity of its people. “Show me a floundering institution or nation, and I will show you weak character at its base and its head. People of character do not make excuses or deflect responsibility; they humbly accept shortcomings and work at them,” he said.
In a rapidly changing and complex security environment, he urged officers to rise to higher standards of leadership and innovation. “The JCF doesn’t need wimps or worrywarts, naysayers or nitpickers. It needs strategic thinkers and solution-oriented workers, actionises and implementers, bringing the best of brain and brawn to the task,” he added.
Using biblical imagery, he concluded with a call to perseverance and faith: “The JCF needs some Shamgars, those who turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones into the possibilities of God’s bright future,” Carlyle said.
The programme was further enhanced by musical selections from guest artiste Rhoda Isabella, whose ministry set a reverent and uplifting tone throughout the morning.
In his remarks, Faulknor underscored the deeper intent of the prayer breakfast. “This gathering was intentionally designed to create sacred space for our officers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God after a year of extraordinary challenges. Despite the storms we faced in 2025, including Hurricane Melissa, we stand in gratitude for the victories won and move forward with faith, vision, and renewed spiritual strength,” he said.