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Thompson takes charge
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- Parent Category: Sept 2011
- Category: Week ending Sept 03rd, 2011
- Published on Saturday, 03 September 2011 13:30
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The baton has been passed on to Willan Thompson, making him the 23rd Commissioner of Police in the existence of the 158th year of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), and the 16th Commissioner since the People’s Revolutionary Government of 1979.
Thompson took charge of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) last week Friday at the Special Services Unit Compound, Point Salines in what was regarded as the change of command ceremony which marked the completion of duties of James Clarkson who, for the past three years served as Commissioner.
In an impressive ceremony that was attended by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Tillman Thomas, members of his cabinet of ministers, and former Commissioners of Police among others, Clarkson had the opportunity to inspect a guard of honour that was formed by various arms of the RGPF before making the symbolic presentation of the RGPF Flag to Thompson, and making his final march along a red carpet as the country’s commissioner.
However, the rank and file members of the RGPF did not just sit back and bade farewell to their former commissioner, he was given a musical rendition by the RGPF Band, and a token of their appreciation. In his final address, Clarkson said when he took command of the RGPF in August 2008, it was faced with a number of challenges, with a perception that the force was not credible. However, he said today it has become a professional unit which, according to him, is the envy of every other police force in the region.
He said the hallmarks of the RGPF are the zero tolerance for all forms of lawlessness, engagement with the community, rebuilding of homes, cleaning of wells, landscaping, keeping the community fit, the absence of police brutality, the centralization of command, and the annual recognition of police officers. However, Clarkson said the highpoint of the RGPF came when he was awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2nd an Order of the British Empire for Public Service. He said throughout his journey in the RGPF he has had some good times and some bad times.
He spoke of having met some wonderful men and women, and many of them were involved in making his journey successful. “Let me publicly congratulate Superintendent (Edvin) Martin and the divisional commanders - CID, drug squad, traffic, our foot soldiers - for keeping this country safe one more time during the carnival season,” he said.
The retired commissioner also commended the men and women in uniform for taking back control of the country from certain elements who “prefer robberies to hard work.” “My feelings was and still is, that the country must not be held hostage to a bunch of thugs bent on putting fear in the minds of our people... Our country today is one of the safest,” he said.
Clarkson also referred to the appointments of Andrea Cadet and Andrea Jones as Cadet Officers, and giving the women time offs at nights to be home with their new-born which were heavily criticized by the men in the force. He said it was a tough decision he took, which he said is the responsibility of leadership.
“This lifted the status of women in the force,” he quipped. The former commissioner spoke highly of his successor whom he said he has come to know and respect for a number of years. “Mr. Thompson has a good pair of hands. I know he will run his leg with the same care and more than I did,” he said.
However, he said with whatever personal success Thompson may have in life, he must have leadership ability to be effective. Just as how King Solomon had prayed to God for wisdom in the Book of 1 Kings (chapter 3, verses 5 to 14) in being able to rule his people, Commissioner Thompson prayed for wisdom and direction in the dispensation of his duties.
The new man at the helm of the RGPF recorded his appreciatioon to his predecssor for the service he rendered to the police force. He said he is happy to have been given the opportunity to serve his country at the level of Commissioner of Police.
Thompson who has been associated with RGPF for almost 22 years spoke about his commitment of service to his country. He said in 1987, just two years into his policing career while on a junior command course in Jamaica he was invited by a senior police officer of the Royal Barbados Poluice Force to join that police force.
“However, I was not tempted for one minute to accept this offer, for now having been given the opportunity to serve my force at the highest level, despite the difficulties experienced, speaks to patriotism and destiny,” he said. He promised that as Commissioner to guide the process of the RGPF, but pleaded for the assistance of all members to be able to bring to the nation the service it expects of them. He recognized that it is an onerous task especially in today’s world where there are so many ills.
However, he pledged to do his best by using his knowledge, skills and experience to guide the RGPF as they embark on the challenge that lies ahead. Commissioner Thomposn admonished his troupes to recommit themselves, redouble their efforts and continue to be professional, be disciplined, and work towards building a force that will be the pride of the nation.
Prime Minister Thomas who addressed the change of guard ceremony indicated that the occasion signifies the importance his three-year old government places on institutions. He said the elevation of Thompson who for the past year served as a Deputy Commissioner of Police, gives testimony to his governent’s commitment of having things done in a transparent manner.
The Prime Minister recalled that in the past appointments for the position of Commissioner of Police did not go through a transparent process. He said in this case, an interview panel was set up by the Public Service Commission who interviewed applicants for the post of commisisoner, and in the end a recommendation was made to him.
“This we see as something that is transparent and something that is vital because we want people to be promoted on merit in the police force and in other institutions. We must have certain standards in our society because we want to get the best results for our people, therefore, I am really pleased with the process that ahs been set up to identify or recommend someone to the Minister of National Security as Commissioner of Police,” he said.
The Grenadian Leader said standards for promotions need to be established. “People must be promoted by merit. There must be standards established, what are the requirements, and the police must know the requirements so they could apply themselves to do the necessary studies,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratefulness to the out-going commissioner for the work he has done in being able to fight crime. At the same time he said Commissioner Thomposn now has a challenge on his hand. He said police officers must be committed to the prevention and detection of crime in the society.
However, he recognize the need for the RGPF to be equipped in order to deal with the sophisticated type of criminal activities that are taking place. The Grenadian Leader said although resources are scarce his government will endeavour to partner with other governments to secure training for police officers and to improve the phsyical facilities under which they have to work and live.
Earlier this year police officers at the Criminal Investigation Department in St. George’s staged a mild protest to register their disgust over the physical condition of the building on Hillsborough Street.
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