RSS officers urged not to abuse their authority

Twenty-seven Special Service Unit (SSU) officers from across the region, including St Vincent and the Grenadines, are now better equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively fight lawlessness in the Caribbean.{{more}}

Last Thursday, the Old Montrose Police Station was the venue for the Regional Security System Basic Course closing ceremony.

Apart from this country, six other countries participated in the two-month training, including Antigua Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis and Grenada.

Over the period, the men engaged in Map Reading, Survival Skills, Health and Hygiene, Reading Tactics, Physical Training, among others.

However, the man of the hour was PC 672 Joenel Perotte from the Royal Grenada Police Force. Perrotte was named Best Student and Best Pistol Shot.

Lone female PC 672 Vanda-Kay Frederick of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda was named Best at First Aid.

Delivering the feature address, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis Straker urged the officers to use their training to the best of their abilities. Minister Straker told the officers that the safety and security of the region lies on their shoulders.

The Deputy Prime Minister also stated that the officers would meet different challenges from time to time but said that he is confident in their abilities and that they would do the region proud.

He also urged them to be humble and not to think that they are above the law because of the position they hold in society. “Do not abuse your authority.” I appeal to you that you should lead by example and always remain professional, no matter what the situation may be,” Sir Louis said.

Also in attendance were Commissioner of Police Keith Miller and Eloise Gonsalves, wife of Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.