Antigua: National Security Minister shakes up police force

Caribbean news. Minister of National Security, the Honourable Steadroy Cutie Benjamin met with the Police Force of well over 200 officers recently to explain to them, among other things, the reason behind the government’s move to assign, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ivor David, on secondment as the Superintendent of Prisons. The Minister explained that with Mr. David’s wide and professional experience and the fact that he earned a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, he was the most competent to fill the void which now exists at the Prisons. The Minister lamented on the recent prison break, the corruption of prison officers and the most recent fatal stabbing there, led his government to think long and hard about placing the right person for the job. He is quite confident that Mr. David will be able to do an excellent job.

Minister Steadroy Benjamin. Photo courtesy Caribbean Times – Antigua

The meeting was a mixture of seriousness, occasional laughter and a full opportunity for everyone to pour out their hearts about the concerns which beset the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda. The vex question of the poor physical plants of some of the police stations, the issue of completion of the admin block of Police Headquarters, the optional retirement of officers who have completed twenty years of police service and the lack of promotions were all hotly debated. Inspector Trevor Young was very passionate in his address to the Minister, which resulted in mixed reaction from the large gathering present.

ASP Hughes outlined the large amount of vacancies which the previous government instructed not to be filled – the police officers were shocked to learn this. Attorney at Law, Inspector Robinson pleaded with the Attorney General to intervene in the recent promotion signed by Mr. Stephan Winter former Chairman. He explained that a number of the officers only have two years or so remaining and that barring the two (2) persons which the Commissioner of Police claims he never recommended, the other 20 officers should not be made to suffer, and that common sense should prevail in the matter without much more delay. It was obvious that there were differences of opinion between the Commissioner and Robinson, but the AG seemed to be inclined to intervene in the matter.

The Criminal Investigations Department came under heavy fire from the Attorney General, claiming that as Minister, he is not pleased with the leadership of the CID; noting that someone else must be identified to manage that department. Several CID officers bent their heads upon hearing the strictures of the Minister.
The meeting lasted for just over two and a half hours. Mr. Phillip Isaac, retired Assistant Commissioner was publicly announced by the Minister as the new Chairman of the controversial Police Service Commission which High Court Judge Brian Cottle severely criticised for their approach to handling the affairs of the police Force. The gathering gave a very pronounced round of applause when Philip Isaac’s name was uttered. Another unforgettable highlight was when Corporal Ray John call upon the Minister to do a sifting of those senior officers who are not performing. The Minister pledge that while some of the issues raised can be dealt with speedily, noting that the government is in office for just over two months, patience should be exercised.