SVG Coast Guard welcomes it’s first female Sub-Lieutenant

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service has greeted its first female Sub-Lieutenant in Celia Charles.

She is among 17 members of the Coast Guard Service whose promotion was announced earlier this week by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF). Together, some 70 members of the Constabulary and Coast Guard were promoted.

In a release, the RSVGPF said steady determination, a deep sense of purpose, and genuine care for others are the qualities that shine brightest in Acting Sub-Lieutenant Charles.

“In ascending to the rank of Sub-

Lieutenant, she not only breaks new ground as the first female Coast Guard officer to do so in the most recent promotion, but also exemplifies the boundless potential of perseverance and vision,” the police release states.

It notes too that her journey, shaped by personal faith and an unshakable belief in community service, stands as a symbol of hope for those who dare to forge unconventional paths.

Charles enlisted in the RSVGPF in August, 1997, and though policing was not her initial aspiration, her father, Owen Randolph Charles (deceased), a retired police officer, prison officer and Justice of the Peace encouraged her towards that area of service.

The release further states that her early days were steeped in challenges, transitioning from civilian life was daunting, and Charles considered leaving. However, six months of rigorous training revealed her knack for leadership, enabling her to thrive in a field largely occupied by men.

“Much of her impact has unfolded at the SVG Coast Guard Service, where she has devoted the majority of her 27 year career.”

Between April, 2022, and October, 2023, Charles was seconded to the Regional Security System (RSS) Training Institute as a Maritime Training Officer, where she planned and taught a variety of maritime courses, deepened her strategic thinking, and formed meaningful relationships that have enhanced her aptitude.

Alongside her professional duties, the police said in their release that Sub-Lieutenant Charles has nurtured a heart for volunteer initiatives both within the constabulary and beyond. She is one of the coordinators of the Vermont Police Youth Club, President of the Women Police Association, and a member of her church’s Women’s Ministries.

Charles is said to be an admirer of Maya Angelou’s poetic brilliance, and draws inspiration from retired Superintendent of Police, Ruth Jacobs, calling her an emblem of excellence for female officers. She also credits Acting Coast Guard Commander, Deon Henry, and Brian Roberts, Director of the RSS Training Institute for shaping her perspective. Her gratitude also embraces her mother, Irma Charles, whose example of humility continues to guide her; as Charles steers by the scriptural light of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Sub-Lieutenant Charles openly expresses gratitude for the divine grace that has sustained her, and has extended thanks to her family and to all those who have contributed to her achievements within the RSVGPF and the SVG Coast Guard Service.

In her current role, Sub-Lieutenant Charles oversees both the Coast Guard Sub-Base in Bequia, and the Operations Center at the main Coast Guard base in Calliaqua.