BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – RIDDLED with encouragement and a sense of accomplishment, outgoing Commissioner of Police Austin Williams has already expressed words of farewell to the officers of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF); the organisation he has headed for the past four years.
Over the past two weeks, he has been in attendance at brief yet meaningful ceremonies held in his honour in the three districts across St. Kitts and Nevis - Districts A, B and C - during which he endeavoured to imprint his emotions on the minds of those present.
Williams told his officers that while one of his intentions is to officially say farewell, the other is to say “thanks for the years of support and love you gave me throughout my years of service not only as Commissioner, but throughout”.
“We trained together, worked together, we played sports together and at times we even cried together. I am satisfied that most people are of the view that I served with humility. I tried as far as possible to respect everyone. I tried my heart out to bring balance and comfort to all. I usually try to motivate everyone to work and work hard and honest by encouraging their hearts.”
Highlighting a few of the achievements that came to fruition during his stint as Commissioner, Williams spoke of the soon to be completed Dieppe Bay Police Station, training for officers in almost every field, the acquisition of new crime fighting technology, the refurbishment of the Basseterre Guard Room, Police Training Complex and Barracks, and renovation of the Charlestown Police station.
“…Throughout the last four-five years, I think we accomplished great things together. We have policed major activities and events successfully - Cricket World Cup 2007, ICC Women World Cup…many conferences, culturamas and carnivals and much more.”
Notwithstanding however, “What is equally important is that there’s some work that still needs to be done…”
The COP says he is anxious about his retirement from the public service as it signals a new chapter in his life.
“It is nearing the end for a new beginning in my life…that is retirement from the Public Service. And when I say Public Service, don’t take this literally, I only mean it in the government sense because as long as I am alive I will always serve the public of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“I am very anxious about my retirement and what will come next, but I am always sure that you will be there for me and that I can come to the station any day and play games and socialise. A part of me will always be with you and nobody will be able to take that away.”
Admonishing the officers to adopt an approach of restorative justice as an added element to their crime fight, COP Williams’ further admonition was that the officers lend their “fullest support” to COP designate Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn, as “it is all for the betterment of the country at the end of the day”.
Fully cognisant that the curtains are about to close on this scene of his life, Commissioner Williams gave a verbal bow and thanked his cast members for their sterling performance.
“…I wish to say a heartfelt thanks to all of you for giving me your support and commitment. I want to encourage you to continue to support the high command. Thank you for doing a fabulous job in policing the Federation. For me, I will say I have kept the faith and have run my course. I have completed my leg and I did it my way; that is with courtesy, respect, integrity and professionalism. If you realise that spells CRIP and that is the only gangster I intend to be…
“Thank you, thank you, thank you and may God continue to bless all of you.”
