Dr Kevin Blake is Jamaica’s new commissioner
Deputy Commissioner r of Police (DCP) Dr Kevin Blake has been confirmed as Jamaica’s upcoming Commissioner of Police. The appointment takes effect Tuesday 19 March 2024. The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, at Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing. Chang said he received a copy of a letter on Wednesday morning, which addressed Blake’s formal appointment to the post. He will succeed Major General Antony Anderson, whose contract ends on Monday 18 March 2024. Blake is currently the DCP in charge of Force Development and Logistics.
Chang noted that the process of appointing a new police commissioner has attracted some interest. Concerns have been raised that the post was not advertised. He said all four deputy commissioners were interviewed for the opportunity to head the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Blake came out ahead of his colleagues Fitz Bailey, Clifford Blake, and Richard Stewart. “We have four deputies, who, I think, were excellent police officers. They were interviewed and (the Police) Services Commission identified Dr Kevin Blake, who is among the younger deputy commissioners, as the best prospect to lead the force at this point in time”, said Chang.
Chang explained that the Government operates on a strict “no objection basis”, and they had no problem with the four deputy commissioners interviewed and left it up to the Police Services Commission to recommend the individual they considered best suited to lead the constabulary. “We have no problem in accepting Dr Kevin Blake as the next commissioner of police,” declared Chang.
According to the JCF’s website, Blake holds a PhD in sustainable development. He also attained a Master of Science degree in computer-based management information system, and a bachelor’s degree with honours in computer science and mathematics. All of his tertiary education qualifications were obtained at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. He was also received the award for research excellence at the UWI in 2017.
