Published 4 July 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
FORMER ACP READY FOR NEW POST AS HEAD OF IMMIGRATION
Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 03, 2018 (RSCNPF): Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Merclyn Hughes, is excited about her new post and has committed to carrying out her duties with integrity and vigor.
She officially became the new Chief of Immigration on July 02, 2018 and will head the Department of Immigration as the Government moves to separate the entity from the Police Force. Ms. Hughes has indicated that she is ready to meet the challenge head on.
“I give God thanks for this opportunity to serve my people in another capacity as Chief Immigration Officer. It is still a form of law enforcement, which is my first love, after God…I expect to serve in my new capacity for as long as I am required to be there. It is a challenge, it will be a challenge, but I do not believe it is more than me and I’m going to give it my very, very best and I know I have the support of the men and women of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF). I will be working very closely with them as I continue to give God thanks,” said Ms. Hughes.
Having enlisted as a Police Officer in December 1979, Ms. Hughes boasts an impressive stint with the force of 38 years. She was an Inspector of Police for six years before being promoted to Superintendent of Police in March 2012. In January 2013, she was named Head of the Strategic Intelligence Unit (SIU). In 2016, she was promoted to the post of Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for the newly established Administration, Resources, Technology and Intelligence (ART-I) Directorate and had the task of overseeing the implementation of the first phase of the close-circuit television (CCTV) project, among other things. The move was historic, as she became the first female Officer to be appointed as a member of the High Command of the Force. Over the years, Ms. Hughes has had a special focus on Strategic Intelligence Leadership.
Her newest role was announced last week. Commissioner Queeley and the other members of the Police High Command expressed their sadness at her departure, but congratulated her on her promotion and noted their confidence in her ability to lead the new entity. There has also been an outpouring of congratulatory messages and words of encouragement from her colleagues in the RSCNPF, many revealing that she has been a role model and inspiration to them.
Photos:
(1) New Chief Immigration Officer, Merclyn Hughes;
(2) Left to right: (back row) Force Personnel Officer, Clifford Govia; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Terrance James; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Andre Mitchell; Force Finance Officer, Icilma Phipps-Gilbert; (front row) Commissioner of Police, Ian Queeley; New Chief Immigration Officer and Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Merclyn Hughes; and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Hilroy Brandy.
