BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER some 32 years of dedicated and conscientious service to the nation, Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Crime, Joseph ‘Jungle Lion’ Liburd has decided to return to civilian life and enjoy his golden years.
At a Thanksgiving Ceremony held today (Nov. 23) at the Force Headquarters’ Recreation Room in Basseterre, Minister of National Security Hon. Sam Condor joined the High Command and other members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, as well as representatives of the local media in congratulating Liburd on his professionalism and relentless fight against crime, and wishing him well in his future endeavours.
His profile, which was excellently delivered by Acting Woman Sergeant Eurita Collins-Perceval of the Nevis Division, spoke to his journey of great uncertainty and expectations that took him along winding paths of successes and challenges during his tenure in the force.
She told the over 100 gathering that Liburd was never known to be a person of mediocrity and was not satisfied with being at the bottom of the ladder after his enlistment on June 14, 1978.
“He pressed forward with a will and quickly climbed the ranks from Constable to Acting Inspector.”
She noted that Liburd was not deterred by acting not being confirmed in that rank until nine years after, and had used that period to be academically qualified in an effort to serve his country with pride and distinction.
“It was during this time he pursued and successfully obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management, thus having the honour of being the first serving member in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force to obtain a Bachelor’s degree,” Collins-Perceval emphasised.
After confirmation in the rank in 2003, Liburd was appointed Superintendent in 2005 and held the position of Officer-in-Charge of the Nevis Division until October 2007, when he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for Crime and was transferred to St. Kitts.
In addition to his B.Sc., the widower and father of three boys had successfully attended a number of local, regional and international courses, in all of which he had excelled.
Liburd was the valedictorian of his 1989 Advance Detective Training class in Barbados and came out as the Best Student on the Command Course held in Jamaica in 1999. He also obtained a post Graduate Certificate in Police Leadership and Criminal Justice at Centrex, Bramshill in England, which is known to be one of the most prestigious police training colleges globally.
ACP Joseph Liburd has proven to be an industrious individual. His peers considered him to be very insightful and supportive, while his subordinates lovingly described him as as assertive, dedicated and resourceful.
“We are eternally grateful to him for taking of his personal time not only to teach us policing, but also to prepare many of us for promotional examinations. He has been a role model, counsellor, confidant and friend. Mr. Joseph Liburd’s exemplary work has truly set him apart as a police officer par excellence,” W/SGT Collins-Perceval said to end her description of the man whom many will regret at his departure.
In addition to the many accolades given to him by his peers and subordinates, Liburd was presented with many gifts, including a Blackberry Bold 9700 from LIME.
ACP Joseph Liburd is scheduled to host a press conference tomorrow; the day he will proceed on pre-retirement leave until his 33rd year of undisputed professional, dedicated and conscientious service to the nation has officially ended.
