A senior law enforcement official from Antigua and Barbuda has earned one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious awards for excellence in community-focused policing, cementing the region’s reputation for dedicated public safety work.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Frankie Thomas of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda was awarded the Amalgamated Security Services Limited (ASSL) Top Caribbean Community Policing Award at an official ceremony hosted jointly by the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) and ASSL in Paramaribo, Suriname, on May 12.
In remarks delivered after accepting the award, Thomas spoke of his mixed feelings of excitement and humility at being selected for the regional honor. He dedicated the recognition to his mother, his longtime biggest supporter, as well as everyone who has lifted him up during his entire career in law enforcement.
Beyond expressing gratitude, Thomas reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to deepening the collaborative ties between local police forces and the communities they serve. He urged fellow officers both within the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and across the Caribbean to prioritize police-public partnerships, framing these connections as a core pillar of boosting public safety and building lasting public trust in law enforcement.
Thomas also offered thanks to divine providence for the opportunity, and extended special appreciation to organizers ASSL and ACCP for selecting him for the distinguished prize. He singled out former Royal Police Force Commissioner Atlee Rodney, now Deputy Director of the Regional Security System (RSS), for years of steady guidance and encouragement, and also recognized current police leadership, his team, and fellow colleagues for their unwavering support throughout his career.
The annual ASSL/ACCP Regional Recognition Awards Program was launched back in 2015 as a collaborative initiative between the two organizations. The program was created to shine a spotlight on exceptional Caribbean law enforcement officers who demonstrate outstanding performance in policing, public safety advancement, and community engagement work. The awards are split into three distinct categories: the Top Caribbean Community Policing Officer, which recognizes work to strengthen police-community ties; the Top Caribbean Crime Fighter, which honors officers with extraordinary success in crime detection and investigation; and the Top Caribbean Career Move, which celebrates major professional milestones and advancement within the law enforcement field.
Following the announcement of Thomas’s win, Royal Police Force Commissioner Everton Jeffers offered warm, sincere congratulations to the assistant superintendent, praising him for bringing regional acclaim to the entire Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda. The service’s top administration also commended Thomas for his years of dedication, consistent professionalism, and unwavering commitment to community-centered policing, extending well wishes for continued success in all his future work in law enforcement.