Minister of National Security – Peter Bunting
KINGSTON, Jamaica – National Security Minister Peter Bunting in his first public comment since news broke earlier this afternoon that Commissioner of Police,
Owen Ellington had tendered a letter of retirement said he appreciates the extraordinary contribution made by Ellington during his 34 years of service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Bunting also praised the good working relationship he developed with the Commissioner since he took office in January of 2011.
Bunting who reposed strong confidence in the leadership of Ellington earlier this year said he was not in the business of speculating if there were other reasons than those stated in Ellington’s retirement letter.
“Commissioner Ellington is retiring on his own terms and on his own timing from the force. He (Ellington) has always said that he would retire at the right time for him and based on the fact that he has handed in his letter of retirement it must be the right time for him,” Bunting said in a radio interview.
Police officers are allowed to retire at age 60 or after serving for 30 years. There is also a provision for policemen and women to retire at age 50 even if they have not served for 30 years. Commissioner Ellington is 51 and has served the Constabulary for 34 years starting as a police cadet at age 17.
