On Thursday, November 24, 2022, the Jamaica Constabulary Force awarded 162 members with Medals of Honor for long service and good conduct. The ceremony was held at the Police Officers’ club on Hope Road, St Andrew.
Trending in Jamaica News: The JCF honored 162 members for long service and good conduct
Among the awardees was woman Sergeant Annette Newell who has thus far served the JCF and her country for 31 years.
Newell joined the Force at age 19 after she graduated from Clarendon College. As a teenager, the one thing wanted more than anything else was to serve her country. She has since worked in the Kingston Western division, the mobile reserve, and the remand center.
Newell said her 31 years working with the Jamaican citizenry has been rewarding. Most of those years were spent in the Kingston Western Division, considered by many as the most dangerous division in the JCF. Beaming with pride, she commented,
“I’ve worked with those we call outcasts and helped them come back around in Kingston Western. Hannah Town. I’ve worked with that group – set up a learning center there before its unfortunate accident with the Tivoli incursion. We had children working out of our police station, learning to read and write, and it was always heartfelt to see those who could not read learn to read and read properly.”
Woman Sergeant Annette Newell
Newell recalled a colleague asking how she could remain unfazed despite all that was happening around her. And she responded by saying:
“It is called. Accept, deal with, and leave what must be left, but carry on with those that must be carried on with.”
Woman Sergeant Annette Newell
Newell said she was excited to be recognized and pledged to continue to serve diligently.
Now, I cannot help noticing the blatant hypocrisy jumping out at me. The JCF regards Annette Newell as deserving of a Medal of Honor. Yet, she is only a sergeant after 31 years of exemplary service. Something seems wrong with that picture. And I am sure Sergeant Newell is one of many awardees in this sticky situation. This woman should be a gazetted officer or at least an Inspector.