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DSP Mercedes Currie Clarke committed to serving and protecting citizens

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Jamaica, March 7, 2017 – Montego Bay – Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mercedes Currie Clarke, is as committed to her duty to serve, protect and reassure citizens today as she was when she first enlisted in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) more than 27 years ago.

Regarded as one of the “powerful women of the JCF,” the native of Montego Bay and past student of the Mount Alvernia High School is in charge of administration for the Westmoreland Police Division.  She oversees training, human resources, infrastructure, and detention and courts.  DSP Currie Clarke tells JIS News that her decision to join the force in 1989 was initially to ensure that she had a secure job, but she quickly bought into the policies and practices of the force.

Reflecting on her years of service, DSP Currie Clarke recalled that her first real duty was to work in Kingston during a national election.  “That was interesting – my first time as a person from Montego Bay to be working in Kingston. I have never seen people conducting themselves so vocally, so openly; and to take command of such a situation that day was frightening at first, but after a while, I realised that it was not beyond me to do it,” she says.

Police-2-640x425DSP Currie, who is regarded as a strict but humble leader, notes that she has grown in the force and has received several promotions in recognition of her significant and effective work contributions. She has moved from Corporal to Sergeant, to Inspector and now DSP.  “For me, promotion is more than added salary. It is more responsibility; more taking command. I have moved through the ranks, and as you move (up), your responsibilities increase and you would have grown, matured and got better at your craft. While doing all of that, you would have earned the respect and admiration of quite a number of persons inside and outside the organisation,” she says.

She notes that while the force is male-dominated, women continue to rise to management positions, and they have the full support of the men with whom they work.   “I think I have made valuable contributions for the past 27 and a half years. I have not been in any situation where I was gender stereotyped, so the contributions I have made are as valuable as any other,” she notes.

DSP Currie Clarke says she has no regrets about joining the JCF, and while there have been some challenges, these are outweighed by the positive contributions of the hard-working and committed members.  “The journey has been interesting. It has its ups and downs, but I think the contribution of the police on a whole is significant enough in Jamaica, especially in a time like now. I have always asked myself the question, ‘What would happen if one day Jamaica woke up and there were no police; what kind of society would that be?’ Therefore, I think the JCF remains relevant and is continuing to make a valuable contribution to nation building,” she tells JIS News.

DSP Currie Clarke says that even after 27 years of service to the people of Jamaica, her zeal and enthusiasm have not waned.   “I continue to serve the JCF. If there is promotion in my future, I will welcome it. If not, I will continue to serve. I have no desire to leave right now… I have no regrets serving and I would do this all over again if that was possible,” she tells JIS News.

She says the JCF remains a very attractive and noble profession and is a good place for aspiring young Jamaicans to seek not only employment, but an avenue through whichthey can serve their country.

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International Community must address conflict between Israel and Iran

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Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

With tensions between Israel and Iran at an all-time high, a United Nations affiliated group is urging for calm and dialogue as their violent actions can cause tragic devastation on innocent civilians.

According to Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an organisation that is dedicated to promoting peace through civilian-led initiatives, “it is a clear indication that the greatest victims of war are innocent civilians. 

How could those lost lives ever be brought back? What could compensate for the outcry of children and the anguish of the youth in devastated dwellings?,” the group noted in a media statement, adding that  the international community should  take “decisive measures” to address the conflict.

It is also advocating for the establishment of “comprehensive international laws” to safeguard peace for future generations. “HWPL remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation, offering hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran,” the group said.

HWPL is a non-profit organisation, with a mission to promoting peace through education, and advocacy. It has a global network spanning over 170 countries. The organisation works to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, striving towards a world free from conflict and violence.

According to reports in various international media outlets, Iran and its militant partners on April 13 initiated a large-scale attack against Israel through launching several hundred ballistic missiles and drones. The international society expressed concerns over the possibility of war between the two states, since Tehran’s direct attack on Israel was unprecedented.

Experts have pointed out that the attack on Israel was Iran’s response to an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1, which killed seven military advisers including three senior commanders.

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CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Conference Presents Dynamic Study Tours to Promote Sustainable Practices

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The Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2024), slated for April 22-24, 2024 in Grenada, will feature a series of exclusive study tours aligned with the conference theme, The 5 Ps – People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose and Partnership. These tours have been thoughtfully curated to offer participants an enriching and unique opportunity to delve into innovative sustainability practices and glean insights intended to catalyze transformative action for a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean.

STC 2024 is jointly hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, through the Grenada Tourism Authority, and will welcome a wide range of participants, including government officials, tourism professionals, environmentalists, members of the media and researchers.

This valuable addition to the conference will allow participants to visit various sites and interact with local communities, gaining firsthand knowledge of best practices in sustainable tourism management, conservation efforts, and community engagement. 

Study Tour Options:

  • The Underwater Sculpture Park/Grand Anse Artificial Reef Tour: Led by Aquanauts Grenada, guests dive into the intricate ecosystem of the Underwater Sculpture Park and Grand Anse Artificial Reef and learn about sustainable practices aimed at protecting and preserving these vital marine habitats.
  • Grand Etang Nature Tour: Dr. Guido Marcelle, an esteemed botanist, guides participants through the lush rainforests surrounding Grand Etang Lake to explore Grenada’s rich biodiversity and gain valuable insights into rainforest conservation efforts.
  • The Rasta Roots Expedition: Immersive Journey into Rastafari Culture and Lands: Led by Ras Ginga, an elder of the Nyahbinghi Tribe, guests experience the Rastafari culture firsthand, learning about organic living practices and farming practices of Grenada’s Rastafari community, complete with a taste of local culinary delights.
  • Mt. Parnassus Plantation and Cocoa Pod Botanicals: Experts Michael Jessamy and Tricia Simon guide participants through the cocoa and spice plantation, uncovering innovative applications of these crops in cosmetics and health products.

The conference’s diverse program, comprising presentations, panel discussions, workshops, study tours and networking opportunities, aims to foster collaboration and facilitate knowledge sharing to advance sustainable tourism in the Caribbean region.

Event sponsors and partners include interCaribbean Airways; Royal Caribbean International; Silversands Grenada; Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada’s newest resort; and LINK Strategic Partners, an international strategic communications and community engagement consulting firm with offices across the U.S. and in Manchester, England.

 Visit caribbeanstc.com for further information about the conference and registration details. To learn more about the Grenada Tourism Authority, visit puregrenada.com.

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RTCIPF Observes World Down Syndrome Day

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On March 21st, 2024, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force joined the international, regional and local communities in observing World Down Syndrome Day. 

Officers showed their support by wearing brightly coloured and mismatched socks to raise awareness. 

The head of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Assistant Superintendent of Police Grantley Williams, Training Manager Mrs Odessa Forbes and Media Relations Officer Denyse Renne visited the SNAP Centre and interacted with the students.

In a message to the TCI community, the RTCIPF noted that stereotypes perpetuate stigma and hinder inclusion, preventing individuals from reaching their full potential. 

Instead, the RTCIPF calls for individuals to foster an environment of acceptance and support where everyone is valued for who they are. 

By breaking down barriers and challenging misconceptions, we can create a more inclusive society where individuals with Down Syndrome are empowered to live fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities and, by extension, the TCI. 

As law enforcement officers, we must protect and serve all members of society, regardless of their abilities. 

Let’s work together to ensure that individuals with Down Syndrome are treated with dignity and respect and that their rights are upheld.

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