BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH the recent resignation of Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn from the post of Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the organisation is left without an officially-appointed head, albeit it is being run by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Stafford Liburd.
Former Minister of National Security G. A. Dwyer Astaphan is of the view that the naming of the Commissioner of Police is a priority and urgency, as it “will help the whole organisation to settle down”.
The debate about from where the next COP should come has made its rounds throughout the islands with many suggesting that there is no need to look outside the walls of the Federation.
Astaphan also shared his views with SKNVibes on the issue and explained that there are specific reasons why he believes the next COP should be from St. Kitts and Nevis.
One of the main reasons he cited was avoidance of cultural disparity.
“I think the person who comes in as Commissioner needs to understand the local culture. Yes, nothing is wrong with introducing new systems, but things must be able to work together. The mentality and the approach brought in by the last Commissioner left, to me, some things to be desired; the attitude and certain things. I’m not saying there were not good things introduced, but you have to understand the local criminal laws, the justice system, the local culture how our people live, the economics, the social and other factors of life in our country.”
He suggested that the transition into a new Commissioner has to be as seamless as possible.
“I think somebody coming here from a total different culture cold turkey with purely administrative skills could go through a period of adjustment that might be longer than is desirable. In addition, one of the advantages to bringing somebody from here is that it helps move people up the chain of command.”
Astaphan made known his suggestion for filling the post but indicated that he is not sure if his suggestion would be considered, given recent events.
“I was suggesting that perhaps Mr. Liburd, the retired Assistant Commissioner, might be a good choice. But you know he became ill recently and I don’t know whether he would consider it or whether he would be considered. And even then I would have thought that prior to his illness, it would be on a short term basis so that people in the organisation can be prepared and pulled through up to leadership. Because if you stall the upward movement of officers, you’re going to deeply set up people’s motivation to perform and their productivity.”
Astaphan said if someone within the Federation is not selected, another from nearby territories should as the cultural difference would not be as great as if someone from further afield were to be appointed.
“So, I think all-in-all it is better to have somebody who comes through our system, who understands the culture, and that would point, for me, either in the direction of St. Kitts and Nevis or somewhere nearby. And I say this as a general principle. I am not thinking in terms of specific individuals.”
