BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has received a boost in its numbers as 30 Recruits graduated yesterday (Jul. 19) from a six-month training course to officially join the ranks of the law enforcement institution.
According to Superintendent Lyndon David, the course commenced in November 2015 with 32 Recruits - 21 males and 11 females - but two of them failed to be among their batch mates at the Graduating Ceremony held at the Police Training Complex in Basseterre.
Minister of National Security and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris told the graduates that they should rise up and emulate their fallen colleague Constable Brian Pacquette and work diligently in carrying out their duties.
Pacquette died on Monday (Jul. 18) after he was sent to Trinidad and Tobago for advance medical treatment following an incident which resulted in him being shot in his right leg in the line of duty.
Dr. Harris charged the graduates to be dedicated officers in serving national interest, stressing the point that there is need for a new wave of officers in making the Federation a safe place for all.
Further, the PM emphasised that law enforcement officer must serve the public at all times, since it is “they who we serve” and protect.
Against that backdrop, Dr. Harris told the new Constables that there would be tough days ahead in which they would have vital information that they might be tempted to share with family members. He however advised that in the best interest of law and order and also for cases, such information should be kept confidential.
He explained that the divulgence of critical information of cases to unauthorised persons could be prejudicial and might lead to unsuccessful prosecutions.
During their six-month stint at the Training Complex, the young Constables were taught the basics of policing and various subject areas to enhance their capability to efficiently and effectively execute their duties.
Among the subjects taught on the course were Report Writing, Human Rights and the Police Act.
In addition to the theoretical aspects of the course in which the participants were also lectured to by retired senior officers of the Force, they were engaged in working closely with experienced members in providing security at some of the Federation’s major events, including Music Festival, Carnival, CPL and Football’s Final Four.
Constable 865 Valdon Rogers was adjudged the Most Outstanding Student and he also copped the Best Pistol Shot award, while 845 Constable Tarique Jones won the awards for Best Rifle Shot, Best at Self Defence and Best at Physical Training. And 832 Constable Anthony Freeman won the Most Disciplined award.
However, not to be outdone, 835 Woman Constable Asheshia Paul won three awards – Best at Drills, Best at Police Subjects and Best Results in Final Exams.
