BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER some five years of contemplation and planning, the Association for Retired Officers of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services was officially launched.
The Launching Ceremony which took place on Tuesday (Jun. 25) at the Red Cross Building in Basseterre, was chaired by former Police Force Chaplain, Pastor Leroy Benjamin, who intimated that it was launched to with the aim of bringing retirees from the two organisations together.”
“For some time we have been contemplating and we have been working on the possibility of forming an association for retired Police and Fire and Rescue Services officers. And so that has been accomplished and we want now to launch it officially and to let other members who have retired know that there is an association that is concerned about them and their needs and wants to do something in order to bring these persons together.”
At the helm of the Association is Retired Commissioner of Police Austin Williams with Ret’d Police and Fire and Rescue Services Officer, Natalie Fough, who is the Association’s Secretary.
Addressing the gathering that included members of the media, President Austin provided a brief history on the formation of the Association.
“We started about five years ago to put this Association together. It went dormant for a while and we have rebounded and have now officially established the Police and Fire and Rescue Services Association.”
He also provided some of the aims and objectives that are outlined in the Association’s Constitution.
• The Association, through a structure of international chapters and affiliated supplemental groups, undertakes to promote togetherness and goodwill among its members;
• Make representation where applicable of beneficial legislation regarding matters affecting the interests and welfare of its members;
• Promote social, civic, economic, benevolent, cultural and educational activities for the benefit of its members and the community;
• Grant scholarships to deserving members of the community;
• Interface and partner with relevant community organisations activities locally and groups to promote activities locally and abroad, which will benefit St. Kitts and Nevis community;
• Collaborate with the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and Fire Services as far as may be considered expedient and practicable for the preservation of peace and security in the Federation; and
• Membership will be opened to persons who served as members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and Fire Services, persons who share common interest in specific ongoing efforts of the Association and persons who have made significant contributions to the aims and objectives of the Association.
The Ret’d Commissioner stated that there are three categories of membership – general, associate and honorary.
“We are glad for this opportunity to let the general public know that we exist and also to get the word out to persons who are legible to join to know what is going on up to this point,” he said.
In her address, Fough was more in-depth on the formqtion of the Association.
“This Association started since when Ex-Commissioner Walwyn was here, but we went dormant and now back on track in terms of having a Constitution. It was ratified after going through the process at the Welfare Department.”
She said it was officially established in November 2018 and the Constitution was ratified on November 16, 2018, adding that “we already had quite a number of meeting with our retired officers and we have approximately 25 to 60 persons so far”.
Explaining the eligibility for membership Secretary Fough said: “Membership is open to all those who have served with the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, who had left with a clear and honourable discharge, and who are of good faith and character, whether you have retired with age, medical discharge, resignation.”
She also stated that former members of other police forces and fire services are also eligible and would be welcomed to join the Association.
For more information on becoming a member of the Association, persons can contact Secretary Fough on telephone numbers 660-9750 or 765-7492.
