Outstanding performances in RSVGFP recognized

Over 60 police officers, some of whom recently retired, have been recognized by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) for outstanding performances in 2017.

Their recognition came on Thursday, December 28, at the Annual Police Awards and Retirement Ceremony, held at the Police Canteen.

The gala event showcased officers who, for the year 2017, went above and beyond the call of duty in serving the public.

The categories for which each officer was recogniszed included awards for the Most Outstanding Police Officer in Branches/Sections/Units, Most Outstanding Police Officer at Police Stations, Most Outstanding Police Officer in Divisions, Best at Customer Service, Special Awards, Award for Bravery and the coveted titles of Policeman and Policewoman of the Year.

Walking away with the coveted titles of Policeman and Policewoman of the Year were Sgt 315 Meldon James and WPC 707 Enda Haywood. This is the third time WPC Haywood has won the title of Policewoman of the Year.

Immediately after presenting the award to WPC Haywood, Commissioner of Police Renold Hadaway promoted the awardee to the rank of Acting Corporal for her consistency. She was also presented with her chevrons and lanyard, insignias which accompany her new rank. Petty Officer 521 Lennox Williams received the Commissioner’s Award for Bravery.

Delivering remarks on what he described as his final official address as Commissioner of Police, Renold Hadaway commended each of the officers who received awards and reminded those in attendance of the importance of their duty as law enforcement officers.

Hadaway proceeded on pre-retirement leave on January 2, 2018.

He urged the officers to always strive to deliver better service to the citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines. He also commended his predecessor, retired Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, for initiating the awards ceremony, recognizing its importance in building the morale of police for their hard work and dedication.

Commissioner Hadaway encouraged the members to maintain discipline in the police force and encouraged them to treat him with the same respect when he returns to civilian life.

Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Ralph Gonsalves openly expressed his admiration for police officers.

He narrated his childhood dilemma, which entailed choosing whether he would be a police officer or a priest. Gonsalves also recalled some humorous moments he had with police officers in the past and said that although some people may say that times past in the constabulary were the “good old days,” police officers today are in a much better position – with better pay and numerous opportunities for training and allowing them to be able to furbish their skills to become more effective on the job.

The Prime Minister thanked Commissioner Hadaway for his tremendous service to St Vincent and the Grenadines and intimated that a special ceremony will be held to recognize his sterling contribution to the country.

Using a biblical reference, the Prime Minister stated that whoever is going to succeed Commissioner Hadaway must “go and see” and “go and do.” He also called on members of the constabulary to support the new Commissioner of Police.

Superintendent makes two donations

In a goodwill gesture, coming towards the closing of the ceremony, Superintendent of Police Ruth Jacobs, who will also proceed on pre-retirement leave on January 2, made two donations of $500 each, to the Police Scholarship Fund and the Crime Prevention Unit.

In making the donation, SOP Jacobs said that it is her love for the organization that propelled her to do such. She also pledged her continued support to the two initiatives, even after she retires from active service.

Other Top Awards

The other top awardees for 2017 are: (1) PC 860 Rohan Cobbler was adjudged the Most Outstanding Police Officer in the Eastern Division (2) PC 82 Campbell was adjudged the Most Outstanding Police Officer in South Central Division (3) Sgt 315 James was adjudged the Most Outstanding Police Officer in Central Division (4) PC 684 Elsbert Williams was adjudged the Most Outstanding Police Officer in South Western Division (5) PC 478 Devon-Ian Horne was adjudged the Most Outstanding Police Officer in North Western Division (6) WPC 510 Korah Jacobs was adjudged the Most Outstanding Police Officer in the Grenadines Division.

Special Awards

Special Awards were also given to Sgt 583 Keith Mc Barnette, PC 240 Clint Dasouza and the entire staff at the Police Carpenter Shop were recognized for their contribution to the organization.

Awards to Retirees

Some of the retirees who were recognized are: Retired Commissioner of Police Michael Charles; Retired Superintendent of Police Elton Jackson; Retired Inspector Desmond Haywood; Retired Sergeants of Police Paul Smart and Gregory Laborde.

Best at Customer

Service

The best adjudged customer service section and station went to SVG Coast Guard and the Questelles Police Station respectively, for commendable customer service to the public.