‘This makes no sense’ - Federation calls for urgent health protocols after cop’s death

Chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, Sergeant Arlene McBean, has renewed calls for the establishment of clear and effective medical protocols for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), arguing that the current system is failing those who serve.

McBean made the appeal while speaking at a thanksgiving service honouring fallen detective Avarine Morris, describing the existing arrangements for police healthcare as illogical and deeply flawed.

"We hope that Ava's death becomes the paradigm shift to ensure that members who wear the uniform and plain clothes get the care we deserve," McBean said.

She added that for years the Federation has been lobbying for structured medical guidelines for police personnel, but those pleas have consistently gone unanswered.

Morris died on December 24 after a prolonged and painful battle with sinus cancer, formally known as squamous cell carcinoma. The illness was diagnosed in 2021, a year after she underwent a root canal procedure.

Her fight for survival took her through a gruelling treatment journey that included care at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston Public Hospital, and medical institutions overseas in Florida and Mexico. Despite the aggressive nature of the disease, Morris refused to surrender.

In 2023, while receiving treatment in Florida, she was reportedly told to return home and prepare for her funeral. Still, she remained resolute.

"I serve a living God, and He is going to heal me," Morris told THE STAR in 2024, as she launched a campaign to raise US$66,000 to fund further treatment.

McBean said that even while battling the illness, Morris remained committed to her duty as a police officer and to the people she served.

"She did not allowed her circumstances nor the trajectory of adversity to stop her," she said.

While commending the medical teams at UHWI, KPH and overseas facilities for their efforts, McBean stressed that Morris' ordeal exposed a serious gap in the medical response system for police officers -- one that often leaves members scrambling for help.

She revealed that she recently had to personally intervene, seeking assistance from Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton, to secure urgent, life-saving treatment for another officer.

"Recently, when a member wanted to be transferred to an intensive care unit and our welfare director was at the hospital kind of confused, I was on my way to KPH, and colleagues, I had to detour to parliament," she said. "I told them I wanted to see the Minister of Health and Wellness to beg him to start the conversation.

She said the situation highlights the vulnerability of police officers when serious illness strikes.

"We do not have 100 per cent health insurance, and that is why members are forced to reach so desperately for funding," she explained.

Morris was born on October 28, 1979, and grew up in New River, Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, to parents Asa Scott and Basil Morris. She attended Brighton Primary, Santa Cruz All-Age School, and later St Elizabeth Technical High School.

After completing high school, she enlisted in the Jamaica Constabulary Force on May 20, 2002. Over her 23-year career, Morris distinguished herself through courage, integrity and unwavering dedication to justice, earning 20 commendations and the admiration of colleagues and communities across Jamaica.