Commissioner of Police Collin John, has commended former Assistant Superintendent of Police, John Alvin Ballah, on his appointment as a magistrate in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and lauded his qualities while a member of the constabulary.

A release from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force quotes the commissioner as saying that “Mr Ballah was an excellent police officer. He was dependable, reliable, and a diligent worker. I have no doubt that he would be a fair and effective magistrate”.

According to Commissioner John, while the organization has lost a good police officer, the entire nation and the justice system will benefit from his deliberations as a magistrate.

“Mr Ballah’s performance as the former officer in charge of the Legal Research and Policies Unit (LRPU) was highly commendable. The LRPU serves as a liaison between the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) to ensure that case files are properly prepared and ready for court among other things.

“Mr Ballah also played a critical role in the drafting of policies and legal opinions for the RSVGPF. I will always be grateful for his contribution to the RSVGPF,” Commissioner John said.

Ballah was sworn in as a magistrate by Governor General, Dame Susan Dougan at Government House on Tuesday, June 20. He began duties in his new assignment on Monday, June 26 at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

The Commissioner, executive and other ranks of the RSVGPF have extended best wishes to Ballah in his new role as a Magistrate.