Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting, says the promised implementation of a pension scheme for district constables should become a reality within the first six months of next year.

Addressing the annual general conference of the United District Constables Association in Runaway Bay yesterday, Bunting said the government is committed to a pension plan.

He said he has already had discussions with minister without portfolio in the Finance Ministry Horace Dalley on the matter.

His comments came after President of the United District Constables’ Association Delroy Davis, and other senior officers raised concern about the implementation of the pension plan, which the government had already agreed on.

Meanwhile, Davis said district constables are willing to contribute to the pension plan and are awaiting the start-up date.

He also suggested that a system be put in place to allow for the promotion of District Constables to ranks such as corporal, sergeant and inspectors in an effort to boost morale.

Davis also called for a 100 per cent adjustment in funeral grant, which is now at $100,000.

He also wants a 100 per cent increase on the $210,000 offered to the family of District Constables killed in the line of duty.

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