National Security Minister, Hon. Peter Bunting this morning handed over 53 vehicles to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the first set of vehicles purchased by the Ministry of National Security from a budget of J$500-million for the 2012/2013 financial year.

During the handover at the Office of the Police Commissioner, Minister Bunting said this budgetary allocation represents the largest injection of resources into the Ministry’s capital budget for vehicle acquisition over the past four years.

The vehicles were acquired through funding from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, as well as the reallocation of funds from the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Science, Technology Energy & Mining.
 
“I am really pleased to be able to say that in this case it is one of the finest demonstrations of joined-up government” Minister Bunting said.

The National Security Minister said he was happy to get this first commitment of $250 million and expects a second drawdown of $250 million by the end of the fiscal year.

The $250-million covers the cost of a total of 135 vehicles to be handed over to the security forces including the JCF, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Department of Correctional Services.

Apart from the 53 cars, pickups and 4x4 Utility Vehicles that were handed over today, an additional 12 cars, six pickups, two trucks, two 15-seater buses and 44 motorcycles will go to the JCF.

The JDF will get six pickups and eight trucks, while the Department of Correctional Services will get two trucks.

The second drawdown of $250 million will be used to acquire additional vehicles by the end of the fiscal year.

The National Security Minister said a strategic fleet procurement and maintenance policy is being developed jointly with the Jamaica Defence Force with the aim of rationalizing the wide variety of makes and models of vehicles being utilised by the security forces.

This he said would make the work of stocking spare parts and tools at the JCF Transport and Repairs division simpler.
 
In concluding his remarks, Minster Bunting recognized the hard work of the security forces during the past ninety-six hours patrolling non-stop, even when their lives were at risk to minimize the loss of life and property.

“I want to say thank you from a grateful nation to all the first responders especially those from the Ministry of National Security and who have been doing an extraordinary job this past week.”