RSVGPF gets another university graduate

Another member of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has added his name to the ever growing list of police officers with university degrees.

That officer is Police Constable 675 Desrick Quashie of Georgetown. Quashie, who is a police officer with over 12 years of service, has been awarded a Master of Arts Degree in Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy with Merit, from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom (UK).

Constable Quashie began his educational journey in 2014, when he obtained a Diploma and an International Close Protection Officer’s Licence in the USA from ISA Academy Global Security School and an Advanced Diploma in Security Management from the said institution in Sweden.

In 2016, Quashie enrolled as a campus student at the University of Buckingham to pursue his degree and successfully completed his course of study on December 8, 2017.

According to this young and talented officer, his journey in earning his degree was not always smooth, because he encountered many challenges along the way. One such challenge was the late receipt of a student visa to enter the United Kingdom, which caused him to defer the commencement of his degree programme from 2016 to 2017. Another challenge, according to Quashie, was the many nights that he had to defy sleep and tiredness in body to prepare and submit his assignments on time. However, in spite of these hurdles, he managed to pass his course with Merit.

In an interview with the Public Relations Department, the newly minted degree holder said “I pursued studies in this field for professional development and because of my passion and the keen interest I have in the delivery of security. I strongly believe in specialization and wanted to develop expertise in the field security. Given the current security challenges and other global issues, it is important not only for persons to be trained, but to be educated in respect of international standards. I would like to use my knowledge and training to further develop the function and effectiveness of the police organization, because the way forward is intelligence-led policing and research driven policy making.”

Quashie went on further to say “I am very proud of myself and I am happy I was able to stay focused in working towards achieving these qualifications. I did not pursue a Master’s Degree for the sake of having a degree, but to master my craft. I hope what I’ve done can inspire other young officers to develop themselves further, which would improve the functioning of the police force. My favourite quote is what I’ve always use as motivation: “Stay inspired and inspire those around you.’’

Officer Quashie expressed thanks and appreciation to God, his immediate family members – especially his aunt Yvonne Quashie, friends, tutors, classmates, the Commissioner of Police and other officers who have assisted him one way or the other in achieving this very important milestone in his life.

Commissioner of Police Colin John and the rest of the police force extend congratulations to Constable Desrick Quashie on his achievement.(Police Public Relations Department)