Commissioner vows to remain humble and accommodative

THE NEW YEAR has brought with it several promotions and appointments in the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), chief among them the appointment of a Commissioner.

Colin O John, who had been acting Commissioner since January 2, 2018, was confirmed in the position by the Police Service Commission effective December 31, 2018.

A 30-year veteran of the police force, John said he is elated by the appointment.

“I know that every person who joins the organization, once they have ambition, would want to reach the pinnacle of the organization. I am fortunate that I have achieved that position.”

He thanked the Prime Minister for the confidence reposed in him.

“I would not betray that confidence. Also, the fact that I am in this position, I would still remain humble and accommodative to members of the public. I will be respectful to my colleagues while ensuring that people do the job that they are being paid for.”

The Commissioner also thanked the public for the outpouring of support and said he welcomes their advice.

“I want to thank the persons who have offered their congratulations and support and guidance to me. I welcome the criticism, but I would like it to be as constructive as possible, for in doing that, it would help me to stay on the right path.”

John said he has a certain vision for the RSVGPF and would be seeking the assistance of the members of the police force and the public to realise that vision.

Also promoted were Assistant Commissioner of Police Frankie Joseph who is now the Deputy Commissioner of Police, and Superintendent of Police Richard Browne to the post of Assistant Commissioner of Police.

A revised release from the Police Public Relations Department said 82 Police Officers have been promoted to various ranks within the constabulary, effective December 31, 2018 (an earlier release had put the number of officers who were promoted at 103).

The Police Service Commission has also approved the following appointments as follows:

TO BE SUPERINTENDENTS OF POLICE

· Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Cluston Francis · Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Joel James · Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Trevor Bailey

TO BE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE

· Inspector of Police, Mr. Ronald Benjamin · Inspector of Police, Mr. Hanif Simon · Inspector of Police, Mr. Junior Simmons

TO BE INSPECTORS OF POLICE

· Station Sergeant, Mr. Nolan Dallaway · Station Sergeant, Mr. Dwayne Bailey · Station Sergeant, Mr. Wilmet John Station Seargent Mr Mark Ellis

TO BE STATION SERGEANTS

· Sgt. 539 Alex Phillips
· Sgt. 509 Brenton Smith
· W/Sgt. 532 Desrine Daize
· Sgt. 315 Meldon James
· Sgt. 546 Godwin Charles
· Sgt. 220 Irwin Adams
· Sgt. 20 Vaughn Miller
· Sgt. 9 Parnel Browne
· Sgt. 491 Kenrick Dabreo
· Sgt. 385 Clifton Jacobs
Sgt. 600 Terrance Williams

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Colin John has approved the following promotions in the constabulary effective December 31, 2018:

· 13 Sergeants of Police
· 07 Acting Sergeants of Police
· 14 Corporals of Police
· 20 Acting Corporals of Police
· 1 Petty Officer
· 3 Leading Seaman

Commissioner John congratulated all of the officers who have been promoted and has emphasized that promotion should not just be seen as a personal achievement only but it adds new responsibilities to the recipients. He urged all to take their new responsibilities very seriously in the interest of citizen and national security.