BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – OVER the past three years and six-plus months the nation had seen Dr. Celvin Geron ‘CG’ Walwyn as Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), but with the recent change in Government it is believed that he will not return to head the law enforcement body on completion of his vacation leave.
Sources close to the RSCNPF had hinted that he would not be returning to occupy that position “because, after the Commissioner’s three-year contract had ended last year, we have not seen any paper trail of it being renewed despite he’s saying different”.
One of the sources claimed that following the change of Government, the Commissioner allegedly had a house-clearing exercise.
“After it was announced that Team Unity had won the Elections, Commissioner Walwyn had taken all of his uniforms to the Stores and handed them over to Sergeant Sampson. He was however advised that he would have to attend the Swearing In Ceremony of the new Cabinet, so he went back to the Stores and retrieved a uniform to attend the event.
“The Commissioner also removed all of his personal belongings from the office that he occupied and also what he had in the house he rented in Bird Rock.”
In an effort to verify the source’s claim, SKNVibes had contacted a member of the High Command, who categorically stated that he had no comment to make on the allegation.
However, a recent newscast by WINN FM stated that according credible reports, Commissioner Walwyn had tendered his resignation effective today (Mar. 27), but top government sources have not confirmed it.
The media house also stated that it had contacted Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, who said he had no knowledge of Commissioner Walwyn’s resignation, but “sources close to the police however, insist that the Commissioner tendered his resignation in a letter dated February 26th”.
Following his departure the day after the new Cabinet was sworn in, Walwyn, addressed a number of issues, including his position as Commissioner of the RSCNPF, during a telephone interview with Junie Liburd on Freedom FM’s ‘Issues’ programme.
“I have contacted the Prime Minister and the Attorney-General and they have not been responding to my emails. So I don't know what's going on in St. Kitts. You had two homicides in St. Kitts since I've been gone, and none...of the people who work for me or under me have notified me. I've written emails and I've gotten no response...so I don't know if I'm in charge of the police force, I know the contract says I am. But based on the treatment that they're giving me, I don't believe that I am.”
In a recent Facebook post on his personal profile, Commissioner Walwyn, in response to one Sharon Crossley’s question: “Are you on your way back to Orlando?” said: “The government has requested I stay on but I requested leave.” These posts were made on Friday, February 20, 2015.
On that same day, Sharon Crossley wrote: “Joseph, you left us hanging! If you believe in your progress keep making a difference!” In response, Commissioner said: “Ok, let me clear the air. I am apolitical. I said "Leave" not leaving. I requested sometime off from work. I have not been fired nor have I been asked to leave. I have a dissertation to complete in Florida. I cannot do the research in St. Kitts.
“It is great though to see the supportbhere on Facebook. Thanks to all. Please remember however, that when a new mayor is elected in America, he brings in his own chief. It is the same thing in St. Kitts. I have not received any negative treatment from the New Prime Minister and would understand any decisions made with regards to replacing me. I exoect it and would support it. It is his right. Until then, I fully support the office of the Prime Minister, he is my boss.”
On Sunday (Feb. 22), he was asked by one MrVybes Soca Fm-London what would his next move be with regard to options, to which he said: “Police Chief in Florida, American Assistant Commissioner of police, CSO of an American Corporation, Mexico as a Security Advisor since I speak Spanish, but I have some writing to do and I am going to get that out of the way. My legacy is that crime was rampant when I came and was reduced 29 percent during my time.”
As a result of these comments and WINN FM’s report on the matter, SKNVibes had contacted a source close to the police this morning (Mar. 27) and was told that Commissioner Walwyn had indeed tendered his letter of resignation dated February 26, 2015 to be effective on Friday, March 27, 2015.
During his tenure as Commissioner, Walwyn was accused by members of the tri-party coalition Team Unity of being politically involved in the Federation’s affairs and that he was being too close to Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas; accusations that he vehemently denied.
Meanwhile, rumours abound that in addition to serving Senior Officers, some senior retirees are being considered to fill the vacancy of Commissioner, including Joseph Liburd.
