Published 14 February 2024
Basseterre, Buckie Got It Media Source
PRIME MINISTER DR. DREW LAUDS NEW BATCH OF POLICE OFFICERS AND EXPRESSES HIS PLEASURE WITH THE GROWING NUMBER OF WOMEN CHOOSING POLICING
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, February 14, 2024 (SKNIS) – During the Passing Out Ceremony on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, saluted the twenty-six graduates of Police Recruit Course #46 for choosing to join the noble profession of policing.
“To the courageous men and women of Course #46, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your remarkable achievement. Your unwavering commitment to discipline and dedication have brought you to this pivotal juncture, a moment that not only signifies just the culmination of your rigorous training but also the commencement of your noble journey as police officers working to safeguard our beloved Federation,” said Prime Minister Dr. Drew, who also holds the ministerial portfolio for National Security in the Federal Cabinet.
ThePassing Out Ceremony was held at the Newtown Playing Field in the presence of a number of dignitaries including Her Excellency the Governor-General, Dame Marcella Liburd; Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley and other Cabinet Ministers; the High Command of the Police Force and members of the diplomatic and consular corps.
Of note, the graduating class of Course #46 featured sixteen (16) females and ten (10) males.
Prime Minister Drew said this augurs well for the future of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force as it continues to work towards bridging the gender gap.
“It is commendable that the majority of officers in Course #46 are women. Sixteen women are officially joining the ranks alongside ten male counterparts. This gender composition is unprecedented and represents a significant stride towards gender parity and diversity within law enforcement,” Dr. Drew said, as he noted that the substantial number of women also reflects the growing recognition of the invaluable contribution women bring to the field of policing.
The honorable prime minister added, “This historic achievement speaks volumes about the progressive mindset and forward-thinking approach of our nation in embracing diversity and empowering women to excel in roles traditionally dominated by men. I therefore salute all of the recruits and I salute further the women of this particular group.”
Prime Minister Dr. Drew used the occasion to also encourage the twenty-six new police officers to execute their duties as members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force with the highest levels of professionalism, integrity and compassion; three components which he said embodies the very essence of policing.
Prior to their graduation, the new officers completed six months of rigorous training in self-defence, military drills, impact and weapons training, among others.
