Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 22, 2016, (RSCNPF): The morning routine in Basseterre on Wednesday (June 22) was punctuated by a display of pride, professionalism and esprit de corps as the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force held its quarterly Commissioner’s Parade.
A 6.30am muster of officers representing all stations, departments and units of the Police Service at Police Headquarters began the mornings activity followed by a march from the headquarters to the parade square of the Police Training Centre for a formal inspection of uniforms and drills. A company of officers from Her Majesty’s Prison also participated in the parade.
According to Deputy Commissioner Hilroy Brandy, Head of the Service Improvement Directorate, which is responsible for training, “military drills and inspections are fundamental to the Police Service, these elements may seem mundane, but the continued mastery of drills and the process of getting a uniform ready for inspection, reinforces elements of attention to detail.” He added, “in our line of work, attention to detail is critical.”
“There are also other benefits to these parades,” he said. “They also provide an opportunity to showcase our professionalism to the community we serve, and build a sense of camaraderie and Esprit de Corps through the friendly competition,” said the Deputy Commissioner.
Commissioner of Police Mr. Ian M. Queeley in brief remarks to the officers said,”I want to express our gratitude for your dedication and sacrifice over the last few weeks. Your efforts are yielding success, your continued presence is a contributor to the reduction in criminal activities we have seen in the last month.”
Upon completion of the inspection and drills the parade made its way through the streets of Basseterre, passing on Church Street, where a salute was rendered to the Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. The Honourable Timothy Harris.
Scores of onlookers encouraged and thanked the officers for their service to the nation as they paraded the streets.
Commenting at the end of the morning parade, Commissioner Queeley said, “Parades and other activities that build Esprit de Corps, and showcase our Police Service will be regular fixtures.” He added, “these activities ties into the new thrust of ensuring the morale of the service is kept high.”
Police Constable Victor Nicholas, Corporal Dasarene Wilson, Constable Asheshia Paul, and Prison Officer Acting Sergeant Kristen Solis were judged as having the best uniforms during the inspection.
This was the second Commissioner’s Parade to be held by Commissioner Mr. Ian M. Queeley.