Commissioner’s dismissal causes controversy
Bennett is new Ag. Commissioner

By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

~~Adz:Right~~ ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – IT has been a week since Gary Nelson was relieved of his position as Commissioner of the Royal Antigua/Barbuda Police Force (RABPF) and the decision has created some degree of controversy in Antigua.

Nelson, who took office on February 29 this year, is one of four retired officers who were recruited six months ago to pilot the RABPF and assist in regaining control over the escalation of crime on the island. 

The officers arrived immediately after the resignation of a few senior executives of the RABPF and were to be guided by the Breau Report, which is a detailed account, proposed by the RABPF’s consultant, outlining a list of recommendations to enhance the force.

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Baldwin Spencer, in a national broadcast on September 2, responded to the concerns and uncertainties surrounding the issue.

According to Antigua Sun, Spencer said, “The Police Service Commission has advised me that Mr. Gary Nelson’s appointment as Commissioner of Police has been discontinued following a service review leading up to the end of the six month probationary period, as was stipulated in his terms of engagement.

“As a consequence of the review, it was decided that Mr. Nelson’s performance during that period was unsatisfactory and would not be extended beyond its expiry date of 31 Aug., at 12 midnight.”

PM Spencer added that the laws of the land along with its Constitution were given to Nelson prior to his arrival and was further reinforced upon arrival in order for him to effectively operate in the full capacity of Commissioner. However, he acknowledged that the depth of the reason supporting Nelson’s leave was much more intricate than can be expressed publicly.

“I am sure we all agree that police matters can be very sensitive and therefore must be treated with discretion, respect and confidentiality. As a consequence, there are issues involved in this matter, which as a government, we do not consider prudent to place in the public domain.”

On the other hand, it has been widely circulated that Nelson was in opposition of many of the RABPF’s policies on promotion and protocol and had demanded changes to the system which may have had serious implications on the country’s constitution.

It is also rumoured that, upon his dismissal, Nelson had consulted a Legal Attorney to discuss what actions must be taken to address his grievance. 

However, Antigua Sun reported that in response, PM Spencer said, “It is unfortunate that Gary Nelson as the then sitting Commissioner of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, chose to make comments in the media on matters that were being discussed with him in respect of the reviews of his performance since the commencement of his engagement... these talks were in fact held with Mr. Nelson... present.”

Currently, the lone remaining member of the RCMP, Thomas Bennett, has been accepted to act in the position of Commissioner of Police to replace his colleague.