TOP BRASS

Nine years ago, he was a constable. Keith Gregory Miller has been known to be a Peace Officer of nearly unblemished character.

Possessed with a sense of discipline, commitment and ambition, Miller was not one to allow any obstacles to get in his way. {{more}}

Now today, September 30, marks a turning point in the local constabulary, as Miller, who will turn 47 on Independence Day October 27, takes over at the helm of the local Police Force. He replaces Commissioner William Harry, who was himself appointed in 2001.

Miller’s strength cannot be judged on external appearance. Slim, neat, confident, and assured, Miller pulled himself up by his own bootstraps.

Originally from the West St. George district of Belair, he spent some of his earlier days in Kingstown Hill, a working class neighbourhood east of capital Kingstown.

Miller had always been an exemplary officer, not afraid to impose the full weight of the law, but mindful of the citizens’ constitutional rights.

In 2005, he secured the degree of LLB Honours in Law from the University of Wolverhampton, England. He completed the Certificate in Paralegal Studies from the University of the West Indies, through the Barbados Community College between 1989 and 1992.

Born 1958, Miller became a recruit while still a teenager. He enlisted in the constabulary in 1979 but it was not until 1996 that he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. His next elevation was to Sergeant in 1998, a position he occupied until 2001. Within one year, Miller was made Station Sergeant and in 2004, he became Inspector.

A meteoric rise saw him attain the rank of Assistant Superintendent, secured earlier this year. But today, Miller completes the climb up the ladder and will don the outfit of the Commissioner of Police.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves first made the announcement of Miller’s ascension in a broadcast to the nation last week Thursday. But last Sunday evening, as he addressed a rally of the ruling Unity Labour Party(ULP) at the Sharpes Playing Field, he again referred to some of the reasons for Miller’s elevation to the position.

Dr. Gonsalves praised Miller’s qualities, commended his dedication to training, and lamented that he had been kept in a state of oblivion by sections of the Police authority for a considerable length of time.

Dr. Gonsalves remarked that Miller had acquired his certificate in Paralegal Studies, which other senior officers in the Police here had failed. Still, Miller was denied the opportunity to advance.

In addition to his discipline in improving his academic background while being a Police Officer, Miller attended a number of training courses locally, regionally and internationally.