SOURCE: DAILY OBSERVER– The Police Welfare Association (PWA) is expressing its dissatisfaction with the management of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) as it seeks to have recommendations in the 2023 strategic plan implemented.
In a letter dated July 19, 2024, addressed to the Minister of Public Safety and Labour, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, the PWA compared the tenure of the current Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney to that of former commissioners in both pre- and post-independence eras.
In its correspondence, the PWA noted that even though a significant majority of the former commissioners did not possess the undergraduate or tertiary level education as is now the case, they were able to effectively mitigate national, regional and, in some cases, challenges in the international sphere.
Mention was made of Sir Wright George, who headed the RPFAB from 1974 to 1990, and was able to successfully lead the organisation with his focus geared towards one common purpose (both individually and institutionally) of ensuring the safety and security of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Association is of the opinion that unlike the leadership style of the current hierarchy, past commissioners promoted the requisite leadership seeking to inspire and transfer a vision for the organization.
“They empower those around them to achieve results collectively and efficiently managing their priorities, while maintaining a high standard of discipline necessary in a paramilitary organization,” the PWA wrote.
“Law enforcement purpose in this sense means, ‘The original intent for the creation of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.’ Leadership, on the other hand, means, ‘The capacity to influence others through inspiration generated by a passion, motivated by a vision and birth by a conviction,’” the letter stated.
According to the organization which is mandated to look into the welfare of police officers, ensuring that their rights are protected, the RPFAB is not being run by the above mentioned standards.
It expressed the opinion that former commissioner Wendel Alexander, who left the force in 2018, left an organization on a more stable footing, and he had a clear sense of purpose of what the force could achieve, in spite of whatever shortcomings he was accused of by the powers that be.
It was noted the effect of Alexander’s leadership was not only seen, but felt by the entire force as he was able to balance his priorities, enabling him to efficiently handle many critical issues, which redounded to the benefit of the organisation.
“The same cannot be said today,” the PWA said. “Leadership matters in families, communities, societies, institutions, and governments. The pertinent function of the police organisation is to provide service which is a precondition for hope and trust of the public.”
Commissioner Rodney is being accused of not having the proper transitioning plan in place, but has surrounded himself with a small clique of friends while crime grips the nation and the RPFAB is in disarray.
The association said it is very concerned about the force’s direction, the many issues involving young people, and the plethora of social ills now plaguing Antigua and Barbuda, including an increase in crime.
The body attributes this to the current state of the police high command, which it deems is causing irreparable damage between the police and the public.
Reportedly, the PWA was present when a draft strategic plan was highlighted to the RPFAB in June 2023, but since then nothing further has been stated about its implementation.
It is of the view that the enforcement of this plan would give strategic direction to the police force, which is sadly lacking. It believes that what now exists is an organisation filled with men and women who are concerned only about their personal gain and recognition.
When contacted, the PWA executive refused to comment and so did Sir Steadroy who referred to the matter as internal and confidential.
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Based on my analysis, sadly, this is correct but there are worse being left out.
It is painful to know the truth but because you do not want to hurt the feelings of others or to make them think you are saying what you are saying to hurt them, you keep your mouth shut.
It is time the force is guided by experts with advance degree of knowledge in this field of policing.
At this time is advisers and leaders in this vitally important government agency which purpose is for national security/safety of a nation and people should be in the hands of those with an advance degree of knowledge in related fields. You do not need an expert to have this sense, to know this.
It is time for them to stop promoting people only based on years in the force (with no expertise), and because they are friends and can be controlled by powerful people.
It is time they realize they cannot do the job. They can’t and the meeting with the PM and AG only shows they too are complicit stating the force has the expertise and resources with their nonsense. It is so upsetting. You cannot say a force has the expertise in this day and age when the helm does not have advance degrees in social and police science and or related field. It is impossible to be adequately prepared to lead a police force or advise a police force in this day and age without such indepth education, research, and analytical skills that you must get in advance academia.
Again, this is not intended to be political or hurt feelings or make people feel less but to solve a serious and life threatening national crisis, frequent and vicious inherently dangerous crimes in a very small island.
So, the above article is correct and I am happy I am not the only person seeing this because idiots think I am saying I am the only solution to this problem. So I am excluding me and demanding you take people like me, not me. Even had ABLP member and supporter of the current PM threatened my life for simply demanding they take the vicious crimes seriously and use experts. You know you must be more than an idiot to threaten a man’s life for demanding you take vicious crimes seriously. That idiot.
the more interested in drugs, women, cooping, and taking off tint in this hot place
Why this out burst from the PWA now is it because the Prime Minister had a meeting about crime yesterday.
OH LAWD…! …WHAT OF RODNEY: ‘…TENURE: …EFFECTIVENESS: AND ERA…?
There comes the ‘…END OF AN ERA: …TIME: and …TENURE’ in the ‘…LIFE’ of ‘MAN’ and the ‘…INSTITUTION,’ he/she may have been:
(a) ‘…Professionally
(b) …Meritoriously:
(c) …Opportunistically:
(d) …CONVENIENTLY
(e) …Exploitatively: and
(f) …Manipulatively,’ positioned to manage.’
LACK OF FUNDAMENTALS: …DOOMED:
Clearly, ‘LACKING’ the ‘…PRE-REQUISITE FUNDAMENTALS:
(i) ‘…LEADERSHIP SKILLS: and
(ii) …MANAGERIAL COMPETENCE,’ such ‘…Leader/Manager is ‘…DOOMED TO FAILURE.’
NOW: …INTERNALLY ORCHESTRATED: …REASONABLY SUSPECTED
When forces ‘…INTERNALLY ORCHESTRATED,’ and ‘…REASONABLY SUSPECTED,’ externally influenced ‘…Police Welfare Association (PWA),’ reportedly calls for ‘…Commissioner of Police, ATLEE RODNEY QPM,’ to ‘…DEMIT OFFICE,’ by whichever is applicable:
(a) ‘…Resignation:
(b) …Retirement: or
(c) …FORCED REMOVAL,’ both the organizational membership, may have had enough of that which many have described as:’…INCOMPETENCE AND INEFFECTIVENESS’ in:
(i) ‘…Leadership: and
(ii) …Dire want of professional competence.’
ORDER OF RECENCY
Incidentally, if so ‘…FORCEFULLY REMOVED,’ he would have joined in order of ‘…RECENCY,’ former Commissioners:
(i) ‘…Trinidad and Tobago:
(ii) …St. Vincent and the Grenadines:
(iii) …Antigua and Barbuda:
(iv) …Commonwealth of Dominica:
(v) …Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis:
(vi) …St. Lucia:
(vii) …Barbados: and
(viii) …Grenada.’
NOW:
It shall be said that except for a known few, the ‘…VAST MAJORITY’ were seemingly removed or ‘…ADMINISTRATIVELY’ caused to be ‘…DEMIT OFFICE,’ for reasons associated with ‘…SUBSERVIENCY AND THE ENVIRONMENT.’
OUTLIVED USEFULNESS
When this happened, they knew that they would have ‘…OUTLIVED’ their ‘…ENVIRONMENTAL USEFULNESS,’ while a few for ‘…Professional Incompetence’ (BARBADOS).’
QUESTION:
‘…JUST WHAT THE HELL HAS ‘…COMMISSIONER ATLEE RODNEY’ DONE OR NOT EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY DOING?
The entire constabulary has gone to hell.
I cannot recall the older Police like Greaux, Dunnah, Baptiste, Pereira, Jeffers, Benta et al having advanced degrees in Management etc.
The old guard made and left their mark with good old beat patrolling and knowing the community.
Driving around is not going to reach the public. Community Policing involves walking in a Community and knowing its occupants.
A FEW SUGGESTIONS
1. Walking into business establishments on an adhock basis ( without begging for handouts)will give business owners some assurance of the Police Service is working. Get familiar with the community you are stationed in.
2.Random appearance at school compounds in unmarked vehicles especially close to end of day.
3. Step up presence at the bus stations and known trouble spots.
Those old guards loved their career and were not motivated by dollars.
The police then were seen and felt at every square inch of Antigua! Mind you they had less resources and man power but were more efficient and effective.
I’m not saying they were perfect but the criminal elements were kept in check.
NB : Parachuting into top positions based on pure Academic achievement can be counter productive. At every level of the Constabulary there are processes and procedures to be learned. To reach Commissioner from corporal means the positions in between were not touched nor experience gained. If you never even were a station Sgt., how you can manage the whole Force?🤔
We cannot blame useless Rodney alone. We also have a useless Police Service Commission and an even more useless AG. Rodney spends more time overseas than in Antigua overseeing the Police Force. Who grants him permission to travel? It has to be his boss, Cutie.
The PM himself had to get involved, make suggestions and give instructions and direction. Why then are the Police placed under the AG? So I understand he feels some loyalty to Cutie but the time has come to out him out to pasture.
Mr. Pompeii if none of the top brass was actively involved in crime fighting how are they supposed to fight crime many of them were old Bird and Lester Bird drivers for decades. So how a man who know how to drive and do mechanic would be able to have a crime plan in place?
@Bofool, it is why the police force should be advised by a mixture of experts. Those with academia and those with field experience and in NY jurisdiction, even them have the advance knowledge in the field. I am not saying everyone will have that but the strategies but be made by experts to be executed by the muscles/field officers and field officers will also be able to particate to share what they experience on the field, and the data/intelligence they collect.
ON THE SIDE…! …CLARITY AND UNDERSTANDING
Take your ‘QUERY’ and there may be no ‘…DISAGREEMENT,’ over that which some ‘…CURRENTLY SERVING’ personnel did then, the ‘…RESPONSIBILITY’ lies with, and the ‘…BUCK STOPS,’ with whomever holds the position of ‘…COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.’
FAMOUS SAYING: …FORMER COMMISSIONER OF POLICE- ELTON MARTIN QPM
Using the ‘…Medical Principle,’ as one of my ‘…Basic Training Instructors,’ he was constantly saying:
‘…When ‘Doctors failed to ‘…DIAGNOSE,’ patients ‘…DIE.’
This is not only applicable today, but appropriately used by some ‘…LAW ENFORCERS,’ up to today.
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTESTATION
From personal and professional knowledge, the now ‘…Embattled Commissioner’ had been assigned to departments where he would have acquired a great deal of ‘…Knowledge and Experience’ in:
(a) ‘…Following CRIME TRENDS:
(b) …Effective ‘STRATEGIC PLANNING’ for Crime Control: and
(c) …Fighting Crime and combating Criminals.’
NOW:
For ‘…CLARITY and UNDERSTANDING,’ he was assigned to:
(i) ‘…Criminal Investigations Department (CID)’ for most of his formative years in ‘…LAW
ENFORCEMENT: then with
(ii) …The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).’
Thus, he knows very much about ‘…Criminal Investigation and Prosecution’ at the highest level- ‘…CRIMINAL ASSIZES.’
As a ‘…Subordinate’ to my ‘…COMMAND’ at the ‘…CID,’ he performed his ‘…Investigative Duties,’ exceedingly well.
HE HAS:
(a) ‘…TWO DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS- ‘…ADMINISTRATION/OPERATIONS: and
(b) …FIVE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS.’
Could not say what ‘…ADMINISTRATIVE/OPERATIONAL SUPPORT,’ he is getting.
WE PRAY FOR HIM.
JUMP AND SHOVE
Still, if he must go, then he should ‘…JUMP’ and not ‘…SHOVED.’.
******
You know what is annoying to me, seeing and hearing people say why this outbursts or why you are so serious or why you are going in so much on this topic (crime) like protecting life against death is not something that should be taken seriously?
If you are not serious about protecting life, then you cannot be serious about anything else in life.
BRING BACK THE MOUNTIES
BRING BACK THE MOUNTIES!
BRING BACK THE MOUNTIES!
BRING THEM BACK TO HEAD EACH DEPARTMENT FOR A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT.
Supt Quashie L is gonna be the next Commissioner Of Police..
Unless the police service is not working like how former commissioner vere brown use to be, where he don’t take instructions from politicians and trust me he would arrest big politicians ,and now come to Elton martin, someone say every 5 am in the morning he had to give report to Lester bird, he would have received some expletives from Lester bird while he their like child trying to explain, then they go around behind their desk with their chest puffed up as though they are the man.
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