Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has launched a scathing critique of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, labeling it as ‘non-functional’ and accusing its leadership of lacking courage. Burnett’s remarks were made during a town hall meeting organized by the United Progressive Party, where he joined a panel of former civil servants, attorneys, and political figures to discuss the alleged multimillion-dollar government vehicle scandal. Burnett asserted that the police force is currently at its lowest point in history, citing weak leadership and a severe lack of integrity as primary issues. He acknowledged recent academic achievements by officers but emphasized that these accomplishments have not translated into effective policing. ‘Acquiring degrees—this is the worst we have seen the Royal Police Force. There is the head of the constabulary who doesn’t have anything named courage,’ Burnett stated. He argued that courage and integrity, rather than academic credentials, are essential for effective law enforcement. ‘In these institutions, you must have a measure of courage. It’s not about all these degrees and scholarships. You must have courage and integrity about you,’ he said. Burnett called for the police administration to ‘get its act together’ to fulfill its legal mandate, stressing that every officer has a duty to investigate crimes regardless of the individuals involved. He also highlighted the need for government support in certain investigations, particularly in the vehicle scandal, suggesting that the Director of Public Prosecutions should take the lead. Burnett warned that the failure of the police hierarchy to act decisively erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law. He concluded by urging the force to demonstrate courage and integrity, starting with those entrusted to uphold the law.
Former Assistant Commissioner Says Police Commissioner Lacks Courage, Calls Force ‘Non-Functional’
