The Regional Security System (RSS) Basic Course 1/2013 programme officially came to a close at the Old Montrose Police Station on Friday, August 9.{{more}}

Thirty-four police officers from six member states of the RSS, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and St Vincent and the Grenadines were involved in the 12-week course.

At the close, Police Constable 259 Jonathan Fortune of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) was awarded for being Best Student. Fortune also took home the award for Best at Map Reading.

Best Pistol Shot was awarded to PC 1889 Andre Miller of the Royal Barbados Police Force; Best at Rifle Shot went to PC 1883 Andre Forte of the Royal Barbados Police Force.

Most Physical Male went to to PC 453 Peter Jeremiah of the RGPF and PC166 Abishai Matthew of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF).

Most Physical Female was awarded to PC 2422 Ulyna Blanc of the CDPF; Best at First Aid went to PC 463 Bradley Titre of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) and Corporal 15 Allie Forsyth of the RGPF.

The award for Best Turned out Student went to PC 635 Denise Francis of the RPFAB and the award for Best at Drill went to PC 1267 Sean Edwards of the Royal Barbados Police Force.

Reading the course report, course officer, ASP Tyrone White said phase one of the course began in Barbados on May 21, with a complement of 35 students.

He said the aim of the course was to instruct and give the students the basic military fundamental skills required to function and undertake tasks that are not within the capabilities of the regular members of the forces.

As part of the training syllabus, White said the students were required to undergo physical and field training.

Students were trained in shooting, first aid and map reading, which he said is one of the most important things that law enforcement officers must learn.

White added that the closing marked the end of a very hard and intense programme, which he said was designed to be hard, but not insurmountable.

He commended the students on the course for their courage and determination to succeed and congratulated all those who received prizes. He also expressed congratulations to the instructors of the course for a job well done.

In his brief feature address, advisor to the Prime Minister on national security Sir Vincent Beache beseeched the participants to build on what they had learnt during the 12-week course.

Beache said he is grateful to the RSS for always conducting such exercises and grateful that they are always willing to lend assistance to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

He said the RSS has been a tower of strength when it comes to security and is very effective.

He said it was through the assistance of the RSS that St Vincent was able to carry out operation “Vincy Pac”, which saw the eradication of hundreds of marijuana plantations around St Vincent.

Beache added that he recognizes all things can’t be covered in 12 weeks, but the training is just a start.

Giving brief remarks, Acting Commissioner of Police Michael Charles said training in any form is very important for the continued development of any organisation’s human resources.

Charles urged the graduates to settle down and work, and put what they have learnt into practice. He also implored them to stay in contact.

Director of Training ASP Yvonne Alexander congratulated the graduates for their tenacity, which she said had permitted them to complete the herculean task in the RSS basic course.

Alexander said the RSS, which was established some 30 years ago, has continued to adapt to meet the needs of present day crimes and security concerns. She said the ability of the RSS to adapt has resulted in the development of the RSS corporate plan.

She said one of the strategic objectives of that plan is to establish a systematic process for training and certification of law enforcement personnel through the RSS institute.

She said it is her hope that the officers are now ready to utilize the knowledge and skills gained to the benefit of their country and the region.(KW)