Several police officers have trumpeted their voices but have not seen any actions, are non-commissioned officers asking too much? Are commission officers dedicated to the care of personnel under their authority? When will the favouritism stop, and personnel honestly rewarded for their hard work? So many burning issues, but still no answers.
All departments within the police force are suffering, due to the attrition rate, and it is an injustice to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Yes! Personnel are leaving for greener pastures, but a greater percentage left because of poor leadership, displayed by some commissioned officers, especially in the Coast Guard.
The Prime Minister has spoken of the Coast Guard, in particular, that some skilled personnel are leaving for foreign forces, and those slots are yet to be filled. The non-commissioned Coast Guard officers that remain have to work additional shifts, and unnecessary strenuous hours.
The officers have voiced their concerns, and the effects of such duties to the acting Commander of the Coast Guard, and former Commissioner of Police. Yet we are still on the battlefield. The Coast Guard hierarchy has introduced a mandatory four-hour shift system, which officers MUST perform at night.
One might say, “What is four hours?” But some of these officers have to respond at sea when required. How can we have officers overworked and tired on the ocean, which has “no back door”? In addition, those same officers are actively working throughout the day, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then from 4 p.m. that same evening to 8 a.m. the next day, a mandatory four-hour shift must be covered. If only the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines understood the seriousness of the job of a Coast Guard officer yet the basics of their duties then they would understand the plea of these officers. The cry is too long. It seems that the suffering will only stop…
Wen Wee-Dye
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The cries of our police is only heard by the public, it seems to me that the ears of the security minister/prime minister and the Commissioners of the RSVGPF are programmed not to hear the police cries. The prime minister is well aware of the reasons surrounding the early exit of many good police, but instead of addressing the issue he plays politics with our police. The commissioners are well aware as well, but are too deep in the pockets of the prime minister to put their obligations above their affiliation. The only people that suffers in all this is the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. How much longer will the prime minister and the senior command of the police force play with the nation’s security?
As a former Coastguardsman, who have experience this long hours of work over 25 years ago, its high time the Coastguard introduces 8 hour shifts and allow employees to go home after their shift is completed or pay overtime. This should be the case for the entire Police Force. Everyone work week should be basdd 40-50 jours max..
As long as they want to suffer. It’s their choice.