ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – The Royal Police Force has inaugurated its landmark 50th recruit training program with fifty-three new candidates beginning their transformative journey into law enforcement. The ceremonial commencement took place on Monday, February 9, 2926, at the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy, signaling a significant investment in national security and community policing.
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers presided over the opening proceedings alongside senior police administrators, delivering a powerful address that framed policing as a vocational calling rather than conventional employment. He articulated a vision of service characterized by honor, courage, and integrity, emphasizing that the police uniform embodies public trust and profound responsibility.
‘Our nation requires transformative figures who will positively impact communities,’ Commissioner Jeffers asserted. ‘We seek officers who will uphold human dignity, demonstrate compassion across all social strata, and maintain fairness in their interactions with every citizen.’
The ceremony featured remarks from Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Louisa Benjamin-Quashie, former Academy Commandant, and Superintendent Rodney Ellis, the newly appointed Commandant who urged recruits to maintain dedication through the challenging curriculum. Spiritual guidance was provided by Pastor Kendall Doyle through inspirational messages and prayer.
The comprehensive six-month training regimen will encompass rigorous academic coursework, physical conditioning, and practical field exercises designed to equip recruits with both professional competencies and ethical foundations. This multidimensional approach aims to develop officers capable of meeting contemporary policing challenges while maintaining community trust.
The Royal Police Force has formally extended its commendations to the incoming cohort as they embark on this critical pathway toward national service.