Female members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force have been encouraged to challenge their male colleagues and move ahead of them if they are complacent.{{more}}

The challenge was thrown out to them on Wednesday, May 5, at a Women’s Police Conference held at the Old Montrose Police Station under the theme “Motivation Towards Achievement.”

Giving brief remarks, Commissioner of Police Keith Miller outlined the objectives of the conference which included giving the female officers a chance to interact, to express their views on issues and to remind them that their opportunities and responsibilities are equal to their male counterparts.

Noting that there are 123 females and 732 males in the organization, Miller stated that the fact that the females are outnumbered should not be a barrier to their progress.

Identifying the police force as a competitive environment, he encouraged the women to stand tall along the men and challenge the males.

“I encourage you to step on your male colleagues and move on if they are complacent. Do not allow your male colleagues to believe that being in the minority will deter you from making progress,” he stated.

Giving the Feature Address, Forensic Psychologist Kamecia Blake spoke to the women on the theme ‘Motivation Towards Achievement.” Discussing the two types of motivation, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, Blake stated that intrinsic motivation which comes from within the person is more valuable.

Extrinsic motivation, she stated, which comes from external factors can fade over time.

She further encouraged the women to be proactive and make the initiatives to achieve their goals.

Blake also related to the women ways to improve their self motivation. She encouraged them to engage in tasks that will complement them, which are not too challenging or too easy. She also encouraged them to develop a deeper interest in activities that they engage in and to be optimistic in every endeavour.

The conference also saw presentations from Station Sergeant Carmel Craigg, PC 142 Angella Byron, and Inspector Ruth Jacobs.