Basseterre, Saint Kitts – In a formal ceremony marking a key milestone for law enforcement in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, 28 newly trained recruits have officially joined the ranks of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force following their successful completion of the 47th iteration of the national Police Training Course. The graduation, held on October 8 at Basseterre’s Newtown Playing Field, brought together senior government and law enforcement leadership to celebrate the cohort’s achievement and reinforce the nation’s commitment to public safety.
The event opened with a formal passing-out parade, which was inspected by three of the country’s most senior officials: Her Excellency Governor-General Dame Marcella Liburd, Acting Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, and Police Commissioner James Sutton. In his keynote address to the graduating class, Dr. Hanley centered his remarks on the core values that define modern policing, framing the profession as one rooted in sacrifice, courage, and intentional service to the community.
“Policing is a noble profession. It is noble because of what it asks,” Dr. Hanley told the assembled graduates, guests, and family members. He reminded the new officers that their presence in communities serves as a anchor of safety for residents, who turn to law enforcement for reassurance especially during moments of crisis, unrest, and danger.
Acknowledging the growing complexity and difficulty of modern policing work, Dr. Hanley encouraged the new officers to remain steadfast in their duties while also prioritizing their own mental and emotional well-being. He emphasized that peer support and willingness to seek help when overwhelmed are signs of strength, not failure, urging the cohort to look out for one another throughout their careers.
Dr. Hanley tied the graduates’ career choice directly to St. Kitts and Nevis’ national motto, “Country Above Self,” noting that the decision to enter law enforcement requires placing national service above personal comfort and convenience. “We say it at parades and print it on documents, but you live it,” he said. “Every time you swap a family evening for a night patrol, that motto is in uniform.” He also acknowledged the quiet sacrifices made by the officers’ families, who share the burden of public service.
The acting prime minister used the occasion to reaffirm the national government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the police force, including investments to uphold professional standards, boost operational efficiency, and integrate modern, evidence-based policing practices. He also called on the new officers to hold the government accountable, ensuring that policing remains a well-resourced and respected profession across the Federation.
In closing, Dr. Hanley left the graduates with a clear guiding principle: uphold the law with firmness, but interact with all members of the public with compassion, fairness, and respect. “Go and serve. Perform when the law requires it and be kind whenever it allows. Treat every citizen the way you would want your own mother to be treated,” he urged.
The graduation of Course 47 represents the latest step in the Federation’s sustained effort to expand and professionalize its law enforcement capacity, aligned with long-standing goals to protect communities, reduce crime, and strengthen public trust in policing across St. Kitts and Nevis.