YOUNG VOICES SHINE AT THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ELOCUTION COMPETITIONFINALS
Basseterre: St. Kitts, Friday, October 09, 2026: Young speakers from eight primary schools displayed their public-speaking skills at the 2026 Independence Primary Schools’ Elocution Competition Finals, held on Thursday, October 8, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Auditorium.
CONSTABLE ZAVIAN HARRIS EARNS BEST RECRUIT AWARD OF COURSE #47
Basseterre, Saint Kitts, October 09, 2026 (SKNIS): The moment had not quite sunk in as yet on Thursday night (October 08, 2026) for Number 500 Zavian Harris. Harris, along with 27 other members of Course #47, had just participated in the Passing Out Ceremony at the Newtown Playing Field, becoming full-fledged officers of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. About a half an hour earlier, he was shaking hands with Acting Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, accepting the award for being the Best Recruit of Course #47.
Acting PM presents award to Best Recruit Harris
Growing up, I was taught not to really expect anything. You just do what you’re supposed to do to the best of your ability and whatever happens, happens,” he stated at a post-graduation celebration at the Police Training School. “If you get awarded, you get awarded. But if not, you did your best all the same.”
POLICE RECRUIT COURSE #47 GRADUATES AFTER RIGOROUS SIX-MONTH TRAINING
Basseterre, Saint Kitts, October 09, 2026 (SKNIS): Twenty males and eight females successfully completed six months of gruelling physical and mental training along with an intensive study of police subjects, and have now officially graduated as full-fledged constables in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
The sacrifices and accomplishments of Police Recruit Course #47 were recognised during a Passing Out Ceremony held at the Newtown Playing Field on Thursday, October 08, 2026. The recruits formed two platoons and were inspected by Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, before marching by in slow and quick time. Inspector Marvin Thompson, Commandant of the Police Training School, led the parade. Platoon One was led by Police Constable (PC) D’Angelo Thompson, while Cadet Cwana Francis headed Platoon Two. Francis’ designation as a Cadet will change to Woman Police Constable (WPC) when she celebrates her 18th birthday in the coming days.
28 NEW OFFICERS GRADUATE FROM POLICE TRAINING COURSE 47; ACTING PRIME MINISTER HANLEY URGES COMMITMENT TO SERVICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Basseterre, Saint Kitts, October 09, 2026 (SKNIS) – The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has welcomed twenty-eight (28) newly trained officers into its ranks following the successful completion of Police Training Course 47, marking a significant addition to the Federation’s law enforcement capabilities and its ongoing efforts to safeguard citizens and communities.
The officers formally graduated on Thursday, October 08, during a Passing-Out Ceremony held at the Newtown Playing Field, where they were inspected on parade by Her Excellency the Governor-General, Dame Marcella Liburd; Acting Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, and Commissioner of Police, James Sutton.
Addressing the newly graduated officers, Acting Prime Minister Dr. Hanley underscored the nobility of policing, describing it as a profession defined by sacrifice, courage and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
Policing is a noble profession. It is noble because of what it asks,” Dr. Hanley told the gathering, reminding the officers that they represent reassurance and protection to citizens, especially during times of unrest, trouble or danger.
Acknowledging the challenges associated with policing, Dr. Hanley encouraged the officers to remain steadfast in their duties while prioritising their mental and emotional well-being. He urged them to support one another, seek assistance when necessary and recognise that asking for help is a demonstration of strength rather than weakness.
He also reminded the officers of the Federation’s national motto, “Country Above Self,” noting that their decision to enter the profession represents a willingness to place service to the nation above personal convenience.
“You are, in this moment, the best of us. You stepped forward when you did not have to.Our national motto, ‘Country Above Self’—we say it at parades and print it on documents, but you live it. Every time you swap a family evening for a night patrol, that motto is in uniform,” Dr. Hanley said, highlighting the personal sacrifices that officers and their families make in the service of the country.
The acting prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the police force in maintaining high standards, improving efficiency and embracing modern policing methods. He also called on the new officers to hold the government accountable for ensuring that policing remains a well-supported and professional vocation.
In offering final words of encouragement, Acting Prime Minister Dr. Hanley urged the officers to uphold the law firmly while treating 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 Police Training Course 47 represents another step in strengthening the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and reinforcing the Federation’s commitment to public safety, community protection and the continued professional development of its law enforcement personnel.
DEPARTMENT OF GENDER AFFAIRS SALUTES 23 GIRLS OF EXCELLENCE
Basseterre, Saint Kitts, October 09, 2026 (SKNIS): The Department of Gender Affairs in Saint Kitts held its annual Girls in Excellence Award ceremony on Thursday. October 09, 2026, at the Earle Clarke Community Centre in Newtown.
Twenty-three (23) primary school girls were presented with the awards, recognising their positive contributions in various areas in their homes, schools and respective communities. The ceremony commemorates the International Day of the Girl Child, which is observed globally on October 11.