Story courtesy of
Royal St. Kitts-Nevis Police Force
(Nevis) – The Nevis Division of the Royal St. Christopher-Nevis Police Force held its 5th Annual Appreciation Awards Ceremony at the Old Manor Hotel on Saturday 16th February 2008. The evening’s proceedings commenced with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by two members of the Police Boy’s Club, with musical accompaniment by Sgt. Carty, leader of the group. The ceremony was graced with the presence of his Excellency the Governor General Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, His Honor Mr. Eustace John, Deputy Governor General and Premier of Nevis Hon Joseph Parry. At this prestigious event nine (9) Police Constables were awarded for their outstanding performance in 2007. They were No.199 WPC Ornet Hendrickson, No.292 PC Mitchel Hobson, No. 321 PC Sean John, No. 444 WPC Leasa Daniel, No. 519 WPC Eurita Percival, No. 564 PC Alister Caines, No. 591 PC Ray Gordon, No. 595 PC Delroy Harris and No. 601 PC Valentine Hodge. No. 321 PC Sean John of Cotton Ground Police Station was awarded the coveted Constable of the year award, while No. 595 PC Delroy Harris of the Task Force and No.444 WPC Leasa Daniel of the Traffic Department were first and second runners up respectively. No. 156 Sgt. Conrad Bertie was awarded the Most Outstanding Officer of the year award. Sgt. Bertie, for his achievement received a trip for two to Puerto Rico, Compliments Minister of National Security Hon. Dwyer Astaphan, while Const. John received a weekend for two at the Old Manor Hotel and dinner or lunch for two at a hotel or restaurant of his choice in Nevis. He also received a Plaque from the Division and the Jefferson Liburd Memorial Award. All the other awardees received dinner or lunch for two at a hotel or restaurant in Nevis that they select from a draw.
The Awards ceremony according to Supt. (Ag) Samuel Seabrookes, head of the Nevis Division is a means of rewarding Police Officers for their hard work and commitment to fighting crime in Nevis. He explained in his address that following an all time high of 391 crimes reported in Nevis in 2002, with a detection rate of 37%, Police Officers of the Division decided that they needed “to act quickly and decisively to prevent an already bad situation from becoming worse.” An emergency meeting was convened to address the problem. Out of this meeting he explained, the Strategic Planning groups emerged, with its objective to strategies and implement a plan of action to halt or slow down the crime wave. This meant that officers were required to work longer hours, minimizing their time off and making themselves available for instant response to situations.
According to Insp. Hilroy Brandy, head of the Criminal Investigation Department in Nevis, the Division was able to achieve an average of 4% reduction in crime over the last 5 years with a detection rate of 49 %. The internationally accepted rate is 33%, he explained. The group’s Policing Plan for 2008 was also revealed at the event. The specified goal of the plan is to reduce crime in Nevis by 7% in 2008. The plan also listed seven (7) priorities and objectives for each priority.
Other speakers at the event were Hon. Joseph Parry who expressed his pleasure with the Police performance, and pledged his administration’s support for the Police. Commissioner of Police Mr. Austin Williams also expressed his satisfaction with the Division’s performance and encouraged them not to rest on their laurels. Mr. Franklyn Brand, president of Chamber of Industry and Commerce delivered the featured address. The night’s event which was chaired by Mr. Curtis Morton ended with a response from the Constable of the year and the vote of thanks by PC Ingle Liburd.
