Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer
Constable Cecil Bond (seated), formerly attached to the Stewart Town Police Station in upper Trelawny, receives a cheque in the amount of J$50,000 from chairman of the Island Special Constabulary Force Association (ISCFA) Sergeant Christopher Bowen (first left). Others from left are Constable Wayne Wallace, Corporal St. George Jackson, Inspector Eric Blake, Mr. Joseph Jengelley, Corporal Alroy Gayle, Inspector Preston Wray, Constable Lawrence Daley and Sergeant Ralph Barrett. - NOEL THOMPSON/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
WESTERN BUREAU:
CONTRARY TO purported bad blood brewing among members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) the ISCF is assisting a crippled JCF member to undergo surgery.
It was quite a heartwarming moment when executive members of the ISCF Association journeyed from across the island to hand over a cheque for $50,000 to 39-year-old Constable Cecil Bond at his home in Falmouth last Saturday, to assist him to travel to Cuba for a major operation, with the hope that he will walk again.
"This is a way to show Jamaica that as a force we are united behind the Commissioner and the Commandant for the betterment of the society as a whole," said chairman of the ISCFA, Sergeant Christopher Bowen. "It is not a lot of money on this cheque but it is meaningful and is coming from our hearts. We wish you a speedy recovery," he said.
TIMELY DONATION
In responding, Constable. Bond said "I thank you and all the members of the ISCF very much for this donation, which is well needed at this time. I know it will go a long way in helping me to get my recovery process underway. With this venture, it will help to build the unity among us, as we are all here for one purpose." He had sustained severe injuries in a road traffic accident two years ago.
Sergeant Bowen said the money was made available from the Disability Fund of the ISCF, to which each of its 1,500 members contribute $50 monthly. The fund is designed to assist disabled officers, as well as retired persons who do not receive government pension.
At the JCF's Police Federation Conference in Trelawny in early June, over $38,000 was raised, after members of the Falmouth Police Community Relations department brought the matter to the federation's attention.
About a month ago, The Gleaner highlighted Constable Bond's plight and the fact that he needed US$13,000 to undertake surgery in Cuba. The article drew attention both locally and internationally.
