Former Superintendent of Police, Cosmos Marcelle, was honoured on Wednesday as he received the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) at Government House for his invaluable contribution to national security and public safety.
The Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) is awarded to police for gallantry or a specially distinguished record in police specific services of conspicuous merit.
Marcelle is among the last of the honourees to receive the award as part of her late Majesty’s Birthday Honours distributed throughout the commonwealth on the occasion of her birthday last June.
The QPM medal was established on 7th July 1909 as the King’s Police Medal (KPM) in the UK and was inspired by the need to recognise the gallantry of police officers.
Renamed the King’s Police and Fire Services Medal (KPFSM) in 1940, it was replaced on 19th May 1954 by the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) and awarded for Distinguished Service.
Born in St. Kitts and Nevis, Marcelle quickly made a name for himself within the ranks of Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda after joining in 1969.
During his tenure, he served in many departments including Traffic, the Criminal Investigation Department, Licensing and Transport and at Government House.
He played a vital role while in the Traffic Department as he mapped out the road safety education programme which continues today.
As he moved up the ranks, Marcelle completed training programmes in the United Kingdom, France and Barbados. He also was assigned to the local Interpol team.
Upon retirement, he continued to serve as a lecturer at the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy and as a consultant with Elite Island Resorts.
He presently serves as a member of the Police Service Commission.
In his remarks, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams noted that Retired Superintendent of Police Marcelle was the recipient of one of the last of the 2022 Queen’s Police Medals and is among the last Antiguans and Barbudans who will receive that honour.
“I would wish, on behalf of a grateful nation, to express our thanks to Retired Superintendent Marcelle for his service thus far to nation building.
“The journey is not over, since he continues to give valuable service to the Police Service Commission. I therefore encourage you to remain focused on the task of doing your part in supporting the work of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda. You have a great responsibility and with it come great expectations from those you serve.
“Accept our best wishes for continued success in your service to your fellowmen and women,” said Sir Rodney.
Along with his family and friends, Marcelle thanked two of his mentors, both former commissioners of police, for instilling discipline which was the foundation of his career.
Both Sir Wright George and Edric Martin were a part of the teaching staff at Langfords Police Academy now the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy when Marcelle was a recruit.
Superintendent Marcelle Ret. was one of three people to be awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, however Public Service Volunteer, Lorraine Perry, OBE and Businesswoman and Philanthropist Gaye Hechme MBE, opted to receive their awards in London.
