BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts – On April 17, 2026, 26 personnel from across Saint Kitts and Nevis’ key security and law enforcement agencies marked a major milestone for national and regional safety, graduating from the first Basic Tactical Training Course of the year hosted by the Regional Security System (RSS) Training Institute.
The graduating class included officers from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, His Majesty’s Prison Service, and St. Kitts and Nevis Customs and Excise Department. The commencement ceremony and celebratory parade took place at National Heroes Park in Conaree, where outstanding performers were recognized with specialized awards for their excellence across different training disciplines.
The 12-week intensive training program ran from January 26 to April 17, designed to address the complex, interconnected nature of 21st-century security threats. Trainees completed both theoretical instruction and hands-on practical exercises across land and sea operational scenarios, covering core tactical skills including ambush operations, targeted raids, reconnaissance missions, casualty evacuation protocols, and border security drills. In a nod to evolving criminal trends, the curriculum also integrated critical specialized modules on financial investigations, asset recovery, anti-money laundering frameworks, and digital forensics.
Awards were presented to top-performing participants to honor their standout work: Stefen Modeste, a police constable, took the prize for Best Map Reading; fellow constable Kyle Grant earned awards for Best Pistol Shot and Best Drills; Jerzelle Challenger claimed the title of Best Physical Performer (Female), and Kelly-Ann Francis was recognized as Best Turn Out Student. Sergeant Vallen Rogers of His Majesty’s Prison won Best Rifle Shot, while Kuame Rey of the Customs and Excise Department dominated multiple categories, taking home awards for Best First Aid, Best Physical Performer (Male), and overall Best Student.
Commissioner of Police James Sutton praised the graduates in his remarks, emphasizing that their successful completion of the rigorous course reflects a collective commitment to reinforcing national security and improving operational readiness, efficiency, and cross-agency collaboration across Saint Kitts and Nevis’ security sector.
“Across our region, and indeed globally, law enforcement agencies are confronted with increasingly diverse challenges including transnational organised crime, cyber-enabled offences, illicit trafficking, terrorism, environmental threats, and other emerging risks,” Sutton said. “These realities demand that we remain prepared, adaptable, and professionally equipped to respond effectively.”
Atlee Rodney, Deputy Executive Director of the RSS, commended Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew – who also serves as Minister of National Security – for his proactive leadership in advancing the nation’s security capacity. Rodney explained that the customized training initiative grew directly out of a national security assessment Dr. Drew ordered in 2025, which identified critical skills gaps within local security forces.
Unlike standard RSS tactical courses that bring together officers from across all RSS member states to foster regional integration, this session was specially tailored to meet Saint Kitts and Nevis’ specific needs, Rodney noted. “When the prime minister identifies critical priority gaps within the security forces and asked decisively to close them, the RSS stands ready. When a nation requires over 20 highly trained operators drawn from the police, defence force, prison service and the customs department in just twelve weeks, the RSS delivers,” he said, referencing the bloc’s core principle of “Strength through Unity.” Rodney added that the RSS will continue to partner with Saint Kitts and Nevis and other member states to strengthen collective regional security frameworks.
For his part, Prime Minister Drew extended personal congratulations to all graduating officers, announcing a $1,000 bonus for every graduate to celebrate their achievement, with an increased $1,500 bonus for Best Student Kuamo Rey.