The Government of Antigua and Barbuda plans to begin construction of a new Police Training Academy next year, Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs, Public Safety, Immigration, and Labour Sir Steadroy Benjamin announced on Thursday. He addressed the passing-out parade for the 50th batch of recruits at the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy.
Speaking to the graduating officers, Sir Steadroy said the long-awaited facility would represent a major investment in the development of the country’s security forces. “As the Minister with responsibility for the police, I pledge that this government will continue to stand with the men and women of the police force, and we shall begin next year by putting the first shovel on this site to bring your dreams to reality,” he declared.
The minister also committed the government to continued investment in police professionalism, improved working conditions, and enhanced welfare benefits, including adequate insurance coverage for officers injured in the line of duty and support for their families. Sir Steadroy described the graduation ceremony as more than a routine parade, calling it a historic occasion for the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.
“Today we gather not simply to witness a parade but to celebrate a defining moment in the history of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said. “The graduation of this 50th batch of police recruits is a milestone of national recognition. It symbolizes continuity, renewal, and hope.”
Congratulating the graduates on behalf of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the government, Sir Steadroy praised them for completing months of rigorous physical, intellectual, and emotional training. “You have learned that policing is not merely a profession; it is a calling,” he said. “Today you have earned the privilege of wearing the uniform of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda—a uniform that carries the confidence, expectations, and aspirations of an entire nation.”
The Attorney General reminded the newly sworn officers that the authority they now possess comes not from their badges but from the confidence placed in them by the public. He stressed that every action taken by a police officer has lasting consequences for individuals and the wider society. “Every traffic stop matters. Every investigation matters. Every decision you make matters. Every act of kindness matters.”
Sir Steadroy urged the graduates to reject corruption and remain committed to fairness and integrity throughout their careers. “Never allow private interests to eclipse your public duty. Never allow temptation to erode your character,” he cautioned.
The minister argued that effective policing is fundamental to Antigua and Barbuda’s continued economic and social progress, noting there can be no thriving democracy without the rule of law. He added that tourism, investment, secure communities, and national prosperity all depend on citizens feeling safe.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen national security, Sir Steadroy Benjamin pointed to investments in modern policing technology, specialized training, intelligence sharing, and greater collaboration among the Police Force, Defence Force, Immigration Department, Customs Division, and the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP).
He also disclosed that the nationwide expansion of surveillance camera systems is expected to significantly improve crime detection. “Very soon, we will solve crime quite easily in this state because the whole nation shortly will be covered by cameras,” he said.
While emphasizing the responsibilities of police officers, Sir Steadroy also appealed to members of the public to play their part in fighting crime. “Solving crime is not police duty alone. It’s a combination of the police acting in conjunction with you, the people whom they represent,” he said, encouraging citizens to report criminal activity by adopting the principle of “see something, say something.”
The minister challenged the graduates to protect women and children, combat gun violence and illegal drugs, assist vulnerable citizens, and perform their duties with compassion as well as professionalism. Reflecting on the significance of the 50th passing-out parade, he paid tribute to generations of police officers who served before them, including those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Graduates, you are now custodians of a legacy. History has handed you a torch. Don’t merely carry it. Make it burn brighter,” he urged. He encouraged the officers to build careers defined by service, humility, and justice rather than authority alone. “Wear your badge with humility. Serve your country with honor. Protect our people with courage,” the Public Safety Minister stressed.