BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – REPORTS reaching this publication states that former Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), Derrick Thompson passed away yesterday morning (Dec. 19) at his South Ruimveldt Gardens residence in Guyana.
According to Kaieteur News, the 75-year-old died after a brief period of illness.
Thompson, who had headed the twin-island Federation’s Police Force from 1993 to 1995, came from humble beginnings but had risen to become a man of great accomplishments.
In the early 1960s, Thompson joined the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and rose through the ranks to Deputy Commissioner.
After giving yeoman service to that institution for over three decades, he had decided to retire in 1992; the year in which he moved to St. Kitts to accept the appointment of Commissioner of Police.
It was reported that during his initial years of service in the GPF, his superiors had noticed his diligence and dedication, which resulted in him being sent on many training courses in the United Kingdom.
According to Kaieteur News, one of Thompson’s most outstanding achievements was in 1968 “when he was sent to the Hendon Police Training School in the UK”, where he “out-performed his international colleagues and copped the much coveted Baton of Honour”.
Thompson transferred that outstanding performance to the GPF on his return to Guyana and had later served as the ‘A’ Division Commander.
After his tenure in St. Kitts and Nevis, Thompson returned to his homeland, where he was employed as the Chief Security Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission.
He was honoured nationally as a recipient of that country’s Distinguished Service Medal.
Among those left to mourn Thompson’s passing are his wife of 38 years, Thelma, six children and 15 grandchildren.
He will be remembered as a valued member of the Caribbean Regional Security System, as well as a devoted member of the Smith Memorial Congregational Church in Guyana.
