Changes in Police Force leadership quite mystifying

Editor: The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has just witnessed a transformation of leadership within its hierarchical structure. Mr Reynold Hadaway will now act as Commissioner of Police, perhaps until January, 2017 and Mr Colin John is the new Deputy Commissioner of Police, which may eventually lead to the post of Commissioner, come January 2017.{{more}}

As we assess these two new appointments, one must ask the question, was Hadaway not trustworthy enough to be given the nod over Charles? Or was it that the Prime Minister had more confidence in Charles and thought that he would do a better job, even though Hadaway was by far the more qualified, having been trained in law. Hadaway must have felt bad. However, he would be happy now holding the post of Commissioner, even though it may not be for long. On the other hand, why did the Government find it necessary to return a man who has left the organization to fill the post of Deputy Commissioner of Police and overlook those presently in the organization? Are we to believe that the loyal and faithful ACPs, such as Benjamin, Frankie Joseph and Sampson; the Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents, that none of those persons are capable of handling the position of Deputy Commissioner? If, in fact, they are not capable, how did they get to those positions in the first place? This must be an insult to them and they should feel bad within themselves that they have been overlooked to fill this position. In fact, they should be ashamed of themselves.

Mr John, who left the organization as a Station Sergeant and having completed his law degree, was appointed as Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions. His new appointment as Deputy Commissioner creates a number of questions. Firstly, what does this move bring to the morale of those men in the hierarchy and the trickledown effect of discipline within the organization? Would they fully support the policies of the new leaders or would they try to undermine them? Further, is Mr John best suited for this position? Whilst he might be very well qualified for the post, is he experienced enough? Does he have the mental capacity or the level of maturity for this post? Based on observation, this is someone whose dress code leaves much to be desired, (with particular reference to the wearing of earring in ear) especially when it comes to discipline within the organization. Does he have the love for the people he now leads? And most importantly, is it just a continuation from where the former leaders left off, or are we going to see some more meaningful changes, especially with the current crime situation in our country. I guess only time will tell.

The Spectacle Man