Most outstanding police officers for 2013 named

Detective Corporal Ashlyn Samuel-Bristol and Coastguard officer Damian Franklyn are the most outstanding police officers in the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force for 2013.{{more}}

An awards ceremony, which was held for the first time on December 20, saw police officers from all branches of the local constabulary, retired officers and a few citizens being awarded for their service.

The ceremony was held at the new police canteen, situated on the top floor of the Kingstown Vegetable Market.

An elated Samuel-Bristol, in an interview with SEARCHLIGHT, described her achievement as great, stating that hard work pays off. A police officer with 10 years of service under her belt, Samuel, who is currently attached to the Criminal Investigations Department at Calliaqua, said she always wants to impact a change in people and the community for the betterment of the country.

“I just want to bring back a sense of peace with people… I fully enjoy what I do and you have to love what you are doing to make it,” she added.

Samuel-Bristol thanked all those senior officers who helped and encouraged her along the way. She added that it is the fear of God that helps her to carry out her duties effectively, in addition to being an honest police officer.

As for Franklyn, he was at a loss for words.

The officer of nine years, all spent with the Coastguard, said he feels satisfied to have accomplished such an achievement.

“I really enjoy what I do. I feel really appreciated by the organisation,” he added.

Franklyn, who is an air conditioning technician and also teaches basic French and Spanish at the Coastguard, said his goal is to be an example for others.

“Whatever I do, I do it to the best of my ability and hope that my work influences someone along the line,” Franklyn said.

Among the others awarded were: retired Commissioner of Police Keith Miller who served 34 years and nine months in the constabulary, and Ronald Christopher, president of the Lions Club South, who retired as an Assistant Commissioner of Police after 35 years of service.

Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Station Sergeant Trevor “Buju” Bailey, in his remarks at the ceremony, said a meeting was convened with the membership of the organisation in September, and a decision was taken to change from the annual “get together” at the Old Montrose Police Station to the awards and retirement ceremony.

He said the idea was welcomed by the organisation. He noted that the aim of the event is for retirees and persons who have worked hard throughout the year and career to be rewarded for their service.

“You, the awardees tonight, are the ones who have gone the extra mile. You were the ones who have motivated the others to move. And for your hard work and dedication, not only to the police force, but by extension SVG, tonight, you will be recognised for your hard work,” Bailey said.

It is his hope that the ceremony will be an annual event.

Acting Commissioner of Police Michael Charles expressed his delight in teaming up with the Welfare Association to stage the event.

“There’s no better time to have this award than now. With the season of Christmas, it is the season of giving.

“What better time we can give to our workers, workers who have toiled over the years. This evening’s event is just a small token of our appreciation for the hard work,” Charles said.(KW)