The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said it has received a boost in its equipment to combat crime and serve the citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) with the gift of computers and equipment.

On Friday March, 15, 2024, Tony Browne, a 36-year veteran of the York Regional Police Department in Canada donated five desktop computers, three laptops, one projector, and notebooks to the RSVGPF, a police release states.

The brief handover ceremony was held at the Police Headquarters, Kingstown.

Browne, who was born in Coulls Hill was said to be very excited to hand over the pieces of equipment to the acting Commissioner of Police, Enville Williams.

“Working at the York Regional Police Department, I have seen the organization grow from one typewriter in the Criminal Investigations Bureau to one of the most advanced police services, boasting the best in resources, training and technological advances. It is with this same vision and goal in mind that I am donating these computers today to the RSVGPF,” York said as he reminisced on his time at the York Police Department.

He said that department has had a long and close working relationship with the RSVGPF.

“This is not the first donation that we are making to the SVG Police Force. In 2015, we donated several computers and other investigative aids and training materials, including sexual assault kits to assist in setting up the Sexual Offences Unit (SOU).”

Additionally, “in 2018, we delivered two refurbished police cruisers, 15 laptops, six VHF radios, and other accessories. Then in 2019, we donated two repeaters, cables for two radio towers, and other accessories. In 2023, as a member of the visiting Toronto Police Cricket Club, we donated 1000 Canadian dollars, school supplies, and nutritional products to the Police Scholarship Fund for distribution to the children of ‘fallen officers.’”

Concluding his remarks Browne thanked acting Commissioner Williams and the police high command for the opportunity to continue the ‘meaningful collaboration and partnership.’

In receiving the donation, the acting Commissioner thanked retired officer Browne on behalf of the members of the RSVGPF and by extension, the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Williams said the newly received equipment will be used to enhance the organization’s crime-fighting and data management capabilities. He assured Browne that the equipment would be utilized for their intended purposes and measures will be put in place to ensure they are taken care of.