Media houses awarded for support to police

Media houses in St Vincent and the Grenadines were last week awarded by the Public Relations and Complaints Department (PRCD) of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) for their contribution to the work of the department over the past 15 years.{{more}}

In celebration of their 15th anniversary of existence, the department held a brief ceremony on Tuesday, January 14, at the Police Canteen, located at the top of the Kingstown Vegetable Market.

The department, which was started by former Commissioner of Police William Harry, came into existence on January 4, 1999 and was first headed by retired Superintendent of Police Artis Davis.

The PRCD was established with the aim of implementing programmes to foster closer links with the public and to improve the relationship between the media and police.

Speaking briefly at the event, former Commissioner Harry said when they were starting out, a number of police officers thought they were headed in the wrong direction.

“I told them that if you are a professional, you have no fear. And if you are not a professional, the department will help you to do better…”

Harry opined that the department has helped the police force to be more respected. He said, following the launch of the department, they saw a gradual change from the hostility that they face with the media and general public.

“Let’s not sit on our laurels. Let’s continue to do even better as we interact with the public,” he said.

Another former Commissioner of Police Keith Miller, who at one point was attached to the department, said he is happy that the media has been awarded for working closely with the police.

He too, commended Harry for the initiative, stating that those were the days when police were being “slaughtered” by members of the public in relation to police brutality.

“The initiative was so important to make sure that policemen understand that we have to be professional… It is important when there is a forum in place to investigate so we can have transparency,” Miller said.

According to Miller, it is because of the lessons learnt at the department, that he, in his capacity as Commissioner was able to capitalize on the experience gained, which included working along with the public and media.

Miller said former SEARCHLIGHT journalist Hawkins Nanton, now Inspector, was recruited to add an additional level of professionalism to that department. Nanton joined the ranks of the local constabulary in 2012.

Commissioner of Police, Michael Charles said when the department was formed, he was a sergeant of police attached to the Narcotics Division (drug squad).

“I can tell you, I was not pleased when I first heard about the public relations department. At that time, I would say the narcotics division was and still is a no nonsense unit and we used to be accused of heavy-handedness and almost on a weekly basis, we had to be writing reports to the Public Relations and Complaint Department…,” Charles said.

However, following a lecture at the Old Montrose Police Station by then Superintendent Artis Davis, about the Public Relations Department, he said it was then he realised the importance of the department.

“I would like to commend then Commissioner, William Harry for having the foresight in putting this department in place. It made the drug squad into professionals and I can tell you, up to today, because of the department, that unit is still a professional unit,” Charles continued.

Current head of the department, ASP Jonathan Nichols, told the small gathering that the department has taught him a lot and that he has benefited tremendously from the experience gained.

Nichols took the opportunity to thank the staff, those past and present, and also gave kudos to former Superintendent Artis Davis for his guidance during the years he was at the head.

Nichols asked persons to support them in their endeavours, as they try to sell the local constabulary in a positive way and try to minimize the fears of the public and reassure them that the police are their friends.

He also said he is glad that the police force has a close working relationship with the media.

“We don’t always get the best write-up, but we understand that it is a business and we understand. But, thank you to media. You have been outstanding and we want to continue to work with you,” he said.

In addition to the certificates awarded to the media, a special token and award were given to Chester Connell and the National Broadcasting Corporation.(KW)