4 Officers mark 20 years on job

Four members of the Royal St.Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force celebrated one of the finest moments of their careers last Tuesday night – their 20th anniversary since enlisting as police officers.

The milestone achievers are Station Sergeant Calvin Glasgow, Sergeants Ashley Francis, Daniel Hall and Patricia Williams and they marked the event in fine style at a dinner held at Roy’s Inn on Tuesday, January 10, with their spouses and significant others.{{more}}

Corporals Venette Dennie, Joel James, Tosby Lewis, and Donnette Alexander Phillips also marked their 20th anniversary on Tuesday.

On January 10, 1986, 35 officers were enlisted in the Police Force in Course 83, today only eight remained.

Persons who assume that Station Sergeant Glasgow would leave the RSVGPF because he is not eligible for a pension have got it dead wrong.

“I’ve just started! I have another 20 years to go. Only God can stop me from being a police officer,” said the lawman who has fearlessly upheld law and order on the streets of Kingstown. While he is admired by many for his tenacity he has become a nemesis and a torn in the flesh to drivers that break the law, especially minibus operators.

Sergeant Francis said the past 20 years were not a bed of roses for him especially after spending 10 years at the Traffic Department and not being promoted. He said his patience has paid off and today, 20 years later he has attained the rank of Sergeant and is now in charge of the Stubbs Police Station.

Sergeant Francis spoke of the exemplary officers produced by the RSVGPF. He said people should consider why other countries always turn to St.Vincent and the Grenadines when they are in need of officers. That will answer the question he noted.

Sergeant Hall, said as a band cadet joining the ranks of the RSVGPF was not difficult for him because of his earlier discipline. He said members of Course 83 have always maintained a high standard and were never handed any disciplinary charges.

“We’ll continue to work harder until the organization reaches the top.We are not leaving,” a sentiment expressed by the other officers.

Sergeant Williams praised her husband for encouraging her to join the RSVGPF.

“The going was not always good but I stood in there,” Sergeant Williams said.

“The Police Force can help you to be anything you want to be. Once you put your mind to it,” added Sergeant Williams.

Commissioner of Police, Keith Miller, and Assistant Commissioners of Police, Lenroy Brewster and Ronald Christopher were on hand to witness the ceremony.

COP Miller said the way things are going these days the top brass of the police force is wondering how many members are willing to do 20 years.

“It calls for dedication and the aptitude to work hard. If you lack these things you will fall out somewhere along the way,” said Miller.

He encouraged the officers to rally on.

ACP Brewster and Christopher also showered praises and congratulations on the officers.