Congrats to RSVG Police Force

Fri Jan 03, 2014

Editor: I write to extend congratulations to the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force for an event which the organization recently held. On Friday, December 20, 2013, the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force held its inaugural Annual Award and Retirement Ceremony, under the theme “Rewarding Excellence through the demonstration of hard work, loyalty and dedication,” at the newly relocated Police Canteen on the top floor of the Kingstown Vegetable Market.{{more}} The main purpose of the event was to recognize and award serving police officers; retired police officers, Justices of the Peace and members of the business community for their contribution to the police organization and the country as a whole for 2013.

This was a very auspicious and memorable occasion, where a total of 80 persons were awarded; therefore, congratulations are in order to the leadership of the Police Force, the chairman and members of the Police Welfare Association, the Organizing Committee, the sponsors and every other person who played a role in making this event come to fruition.

Editor, when I enlisted in this noble organization over 20 years ago, I met what was then called “Police Annual Drink-Up and Thanksgiving”. This was an end of year function, held every year at the Old Montrose Police Station and included some speeches from Government and police officials and food and drinks. Truth be told, this function had long outlived its usefulness and saw a dwindling attendance yearly.

Editor, readers, there was never an end of year ceremony organized by the Constabulary to recognize police officers (retirees included) for their contribution to citizen security and nation building until now. This is definitely a bold and positive step by the police leadership which can only result in more positive and uplifting benefits to the organization and its members.

Employee recognition, Editor, is one of many important ways to motivate workers. The 19th century philosopher William James posits: “the deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated”. While much research has proven that a higher pay package is the type of motivation most employees would prefer, a recent study published by Business News Daily revealed that 80 per cent of workers who were surveyed in that study said that they are motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work.

Editor, if we are to go by the findings in that study, then the recent Annual Award and Retirement Ceremony by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force must be applauded and continued for the foreseeable future.

Finally, I want to congratulate all of the persons who were recognized. Special congratulations go out to Female Police Officer of the Year Cpl 88 Bristol nee Samuel of the Calliaqua Police Station and Male Police Officer of the Year Able Seaman 699 Damian Franklyn of SVG Coastguard Service. To those officers who were not fortunate to be recognized this time around, I encourage you to continue working hard for your country and organization, because you never know, next time can be your time.

To the leadership of the organization, there can be no turning back now. From henceforth, the refrain must be “Left! Right! Forward! March!” Let this Award and Retirement Ceremony be a new beginning for yesterday’s omissions. Congrats again to leadership of the Police Force and the Police Welfare Association for this historic event.

Junior O. Simmons
Station Sergeant of Police