The sixteen police officers who participated in peace-keeping mission as part of
the Regional Security System (RSS) mission in St Lucia last year have been
honoured with a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday.
Governor General Deputy, Sir Clare Roberts presented medals to the officers who
assembled at Government House in the company of senior officials of the force,
other officials and family members.
“History will also record that this fourth ceremony will be the first and very likely
not the last where the brave and committed men and women of the Royal Police
Force of Antigua and Barbuda will be acknowledged for their contribution to the
security and well-being of our region, more specifically their tour of duty to assist
in the maintenance of peace in St Lucia in March and August 2023,” Sir Clare
stated.
He applauded the leadership of the Police and Defence Forces as well as the
pioneers who had the vision of the Regional Security System, forty (40) years ago.
At that time four Caribbean islands including Antigua and Barbuda, signed a
memorandum of agreement after they identified a need for a collective response to
security threats to the region. The vision caught the attention of other regional
island nations and is now a regionally recognized entity which has shown its value
to the constituents it serves, on countless occasions.
The Citation lauded each officer individually for ‘outstanding meritorious service
whilst serving as a member Regional Security System’s contingent in the peace
support and security related operations in support of the government and people
of St. Lucia during the operational period March 17 to August 1, 2023’.
Each officer was said to have demonstrated professionalism, compassion,
humanitarianism and commitment during the operations in St. Lucia despite the
conditions.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Everton Jeffers also offered words of gratitude
and appreciation to the 16 officers, all of whom received the RSS Medal during the
ceremony.
