BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A special ceremony held at the St. Kitts Marriott Hotel’s Ball Room on Monday (Nov. 14) saw 13 long-serving police officers being honoured for their contribution to crime-fighting in the Federation and 27 individuals being sworn in as Island Constables.
Among those in attendance were Governor-General His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian and representatives of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) High Command, Ross University and Windsor University.
Police Officers Honoured
The officers, who were recognised for their investment in the safety of the residents of and visitors to St. Kitts Nevis, have either retired during this year or will retire before the year is spent.
Serving for as many as 35 years in some instances, the honourees are: former Commissioner of Police Austin Williams; Superintendent Raymond Cotton; Inspectors Keathlie Bradshaw and Elrethia Richardson; Sergeant Vernesia Williams; Corporals James Davis, Lexington Bedford and Errol Hobson; Constables Rodney Francis, Chelston Richardson, Chester Marshall and Elroy Wattley; and Special Constable Kenneth Willett.
The officers were presented with certificates indicating that they were honourably retired from the RSCNPF at their sworn rank.
They were also fitted with identification cards which would indicate to persons that they are retired police officers.
“You have served long, you have served hard and we appreciate you as a police agency and as a country. And I want you to know that under this administration, anytime you want to come through that door at the police station, you are welcome to do so. If you have ideas or if you have suggestions…feel free to call me. You have a wealth of knowledge, it cannot be purchased and it cannot be taken away. If there are things that you see that you believe should be addressed, please feel free to contact me,” Commissioner Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn expressed to the retirees.
Powers of Island Constables conferred to 27
In August of this year, a group of security personnel from Ross University and Windsor University successfully completed and graduated from a three-week training course, making them eligible to be conferred powers of Island Constables as outlined in the Island Constables Act 2009.
Another group recently concluded similar training under the command of Inspector Lionel Moore.
The individuals of both groups, before their colleagues and loved ones, were officially conferred powers and now possess privileges and immunities as do Police Constables.
The Island Constables attached to Ross University are Randolph Belle, Angela Jarvis, Dennis Maynard, Stanley Ottley, Cecil Richardson, Desmond Tyson, Kevin Williams, Hakim Woodley, Rodney Francis, Chester Marshall, Hudon McDonald, Lionel Paul, Vernon Taylor, Devon Warner and Michael Williams.
Those of Windsor University are Oliver Archibald, Eustace Charles, Germaine Douglas, Ndukaku Nwosu, Kishma Richardson, Edwin Warner, Osbourne Bute, James Davis, Keithley Hicks, Leroy Pitt and Rodney Thomas.
A lone representative of the Urban Development Corporation, Patricia Celestine, was also amongst the lot.
Having taken the oath administered by Sir Cuthbert, the Island Constables were given an identifying armlet which was placed around their left arm by Commissioner Walwyn.
He congratulated the officers on their appointment and issued words of advice which he said should be remembered during the execution of their duties.
“I want the Island Constables to know that your duties as outlined by law would be honoured by the police department. You could rest assured that you would have the fullest corporation from the police department because you are now Island Constables. I do ask one thing of you, that as you go out there and you do your duties, remember two words…integrity and impartiality.”
The ceremony was followed by a reception which allowed for the intermingling of guests and honourees.
