Student athlete with 9 CSEC, 5 CAPE subjects joins police force

It was also the final time he’d be officially classified a student of his beloved alma mater of seven years.

With nine CSEC and five CAPE subjects under his belt Hunter, 18, had his application accepted to join the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The call from the JCF was music to his ears, but it also brought to an end a successful high school education. Three months into his upper sixth form programme, Hunter will now start preparing himself for a life of service to protect and reassure.

"I have decided to join the JCF because I see it as a good way to help to help the people of my community and my country through providing a sense of protection and reassurance,” said the Old Harbour Glades resident.

The upper sixth form student and six-foot five-inch centre added: “I would love to set a good example and be a good role model for the young people in my community as young people today have so many bad examples leading them to temptation.”

While enlisted in the police force, Hunter will pursue higher education as one of his ambitions is to work in “forensic science or K9 division”.

After playing with his teammates for the final time, at least at this level, the team released a video as a tribute, chronicling his time from under-14 through to the senior ranks.

Though Hunter’s absence will come as a blow to the team’s chances of winning the ISSA Under-19 Basketball title this season, his coach Ricardo Edwards believes the country stands to benefit even more. 

“Rohan Hunter is a humble young man. He’s humble, trustworthy, dedicated, respected. He has shown the characteristics of a true leader, he led from the front. Throughout everything, he has been a pivotal figure in our programme.

“He will be a great addition to the JCF and he will be a role model for others to follow.

“He will definitely be missed but we continue to produce a lot of students who can fill the gap,” said Edwards, a pastor, who has been Hunter’s coach for all his high school life.

“I wish him all the best in his endeavors, my prayers go out to him day and night and I can assure you that with God’s help that young man will go far, very far.”

Commander in charge of the Old Harbour Police Sub-Division, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Damion Manderson says Hunter’s decision is “commendable”. He pointed to the numerous opportunities within the JCF and the genuine desires of those who really want to serve their country to make it better.

“It is commendable. Absolutely commendable,” said Manderson who is the holder of a first degree in accounting and banking, and a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies.

“There are many persons who have more qualification than even me who really have a passion to serve their community. They want to influence their peers more and it’s a platform for them to build on for future development.

“For just about any career opportunity you want the security force is for us. It’s just a matter of being conscious of what you want, not be dissuade by some negative sub-culture out there, but realize that we are an elite, quiet established organization. The force is there for youngsters like Hunter who want to see change, who want to see the development of our country; and I commend him.”