Thomas

The Government has started examining at least four separate premises in the Corporate Area to relocate the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Headquarters, which is presently located at Old Hope Road, St. Andrew.

This was confirmed yesterday by Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas who said the plans to acquire the seven- storey Jamintel building in central Kingston have been put on hold.

Refurbishing cost

"I was informed that research was conducted and the result showed that the cost to refurbish the building was far more expensive than what they had expected," Commissioner Thomas said.

At a press briefing on Thursday, National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips, said his ministry was currently looking at another location.

"We have not finalised our decision, but it is true to say that we are reviewing them," Dr. Phillips had said.

Then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson announced in January that the new JCF headquarters would be the building once owned by the telecommunications company, JAMINTEL.

Mr. Patterson said that, because the building was located in the heart of some of Kingston's more violent communities, the police would be in a better position to fight criminals.

The JCF's Old Hope Road headquarters, where the commissioner and other senior members hold office, has been purchased by the National Housing Trust.