Police, media get high praise from hierarchy

The print media in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has come in for praise from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

On Monday, head of the Criminal Investigations Department, Assistant Superintendent of Police Willisford Caesar gave kudos to the print media for a job well done in 2007. He added that the print media helped the police to do their job directly and indirectly on many occasions.{{more}}

Caesar complimented the press for their excellent and fair reporting and sound cooperation throughout the entire year. The top cop added that the road ahead is not easy, but he hopes that in this New Year that the cooperation between both parties will hold firm.

Not only was the press high on Caesar’s list, but he also showered praises on his team at the CID.

“My men have done a wonderful job over the past year, and I want to thank them for the efforts,” Caesar said.

Some of the names mentioned included PC 740 Duncan, PC Dopwell, Station Sergeant Sydney James, Sgt Maloney, Sgt James and PC 143 Hadley Ballantyne, among others.

Caesar told SEARCHLIGHT that PC Ballantyne always goes beyond the call of duty and has done a wonderful job. Superintendent Caesar also called on Commissioner Keith Miller to take a serious look at Ballantyne and his contribution to the Force.

In a meeting last Friday with the general membership of the Police Force, Commissioner Miller expressed his general satisfaction with the performance of the Police Force over the past year. He urged his officers to upgrade their personal skills in order to increase potential and enhance their chance of advancement.

The Commissioner also cautioned his men that they would continue to encounter challenges and difficulties on the job, but asked that amidst these, they remain professional in the execution of their duties. Miller also challenged his men to “aim at zero as the stats for homicides for 2008”.

Last year recorded the highest ever homicide figure for this country, standing at a whopping 36. Victim number 36 came on the last day of the year. Terry Browne, 36, a farmer of Rose Hall, was said to have died as a result of a stab wound to his chest.