Tourism Liaison Officer Pearson McConney (left), who was promoted to Inspector, being congratulated by Police Commissioner Tyrone Griffith (second from left), and Assistant Commissioner in charge of Human Resources Lila Strickland (third from left).
COMMISSIONER of Police Tyrone Griffith is calling on the members of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) not to allow a small group of persons to divide the organisation.
The Commissioner made the call while speaking at a police promotions ceremony yesterday, which was held at the Police Band headquarters, District A Police Station, Station Hill, St Michael, where he responded indirectly to a media report that another court battle over promotions in the Force may be brewing.
The newspaper report stated that policemen, who did not want to be identified, informed that the Police Service Commission (PSC) revised the list of promotions...
Griffith asked those approved by the PSC to move up in ranks not to be distracted by rumours that may cause division within the Force.
He made it clear that all those members being elevated were recommended by him and the Board.
However, he confirmed that there were other members who were recommended, but indicated that he was not in a position to say whether those Police Officers would be promoted, and when.
“This afternoon I want to say that we have been hearing rumours. I notice the headlines in the paper indicating that it was a joyous moment for some and not so joyful for
others.
“And that is understood, whenever there is promotions there is a tendency for some shoulders to droop for a short while. But the good thing about our organisation is that the next day, our men and women get up and put their hands on the plough, and ensure that the task at hand is properly carried out.
“There is a small core of persons who from time to time seek to divide this beautiful organisation. It is for you and those of you who were not elevated – who consider yourself
deserving of elevation – not to allow that small core of people to divide you,” he said.
“None of you have elevated yourself, and certainly, none of you have prevented others from being elevated. So, I think the more reason for those who have been elevated and those who have not been, to understand that no one should get between you to divide this organisation, the others’ opportunity will come as well,” the Commissioner continued.
The last time promotions took place in the Force was in 2012. Yesterday, 50 Constables were promoted to Sergeants, 16 Sergeants were promoted to Station Sergeants, and six Station Sergeants were promoted to Inspectors.
Commissioner Griffith congratulated all those who achieved the various levels of elevations, noting that all officers worked tremendously hard to be considered for promotion.
He explained that competition for promotion is always very keen, due to the fact that the Force is generally made up of members who work extremely hard to ensure that Barbados and visitors are safe.
“The challenge is always difficult to determine who should be elevated. But we do a very thorough job and we take a number of factors into consideration, and at the end of the day, we hope that we get it right. There is never perfection, but I believe that we’ve come very close to perfection,” he said. (AH)