PM Douglas lauds retiring ACP Richardson for 33 years of service

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister The Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas (right) presents plaque to retiring Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Richardson. (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 10TH 2012 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister and Minister with responsibility for the police, The Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, joined the High Command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force in bidding farewell to Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Richardson.

In the presence of Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Her Excellency Ambassador Astona Browne, Advisor Dr. Norgen Wilson, Commissioner of Police, Mr. C. G. Walwyn, senior officers and scores of fellow officers, Prime Minister Douglas lauded ACP Richardson for his 33 years of service “ACP Richardson has had over three decades of service in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and is a proud product of the noble institution, Bramshill.

In fact, he has done some specialized studies on the issue of gangs which I am sure informed his understanding of their behavior and which should have assisted in the strategies formulated to address this scourge that has plagued our communities over the years.

In addition to his training in the area of law enforcement, ACP Richardson has also obtained further his academic qualifications in legal studies, an area that has no doubt influenced his own professional development in the latter years of his service, as an officer,” said Prime Minister Douglas. “As he embarks on this new career path, I have no doubt that he would recognize the seamlessness and very strong synergies between the two professions. Indeed, I would dare say that he will find occasion to draw on the knowledge and the experience as an officer in this Force as he attempts to advance in the legal sphere,” said Dr. Douglas, who pointed out that during his career as an officer in the Force, ACP Richardson “has had the opportunity to make his contribution in areas such as Criminal Investigation where he would have served for a number of years.” “It is very likely that several of you would have had the good fortune of working under his command or alongside him in CID.

I personally have had the opportunity of engaging him and to see him in action at the top management level as part of the High Command,” added the Prime Minister who commended ACP Richardson for the support he has given to law enforcement advancement in St. Kitts and Nevis. “I want to commend his dear wife and his children for the support that they would have provided him during those 33 years of service that they would have associated with him as a police officer, especially in recent years when every single one of you had put your life on the line,” said the St. Kitts and Nevis leader.

Dr. Douglas commended the wife and children of ACP Richardson and the wives and children of every officer who has made policing a career and advancing the protection and service to citizens. “We don’t take the service that you provide for granted. Despite that you are being paid, it is a sacrifice. It is a choice that you have made, a choice to maintain law and order in your country and advance the society to one of peace and security,” said Dr. Douglas. “I personally salute ACP Richardson for his dedicate service that he has provided and we wish him well as he moves. On behalf of the Government and the members of the Anti-crime Unit, I wish to applaud you for your years of service to the Force and to our country. You have no doubt inspired many who have, in turn, taken up the noble profession of law enforcement. As you look ahead, I want you to be encouraged as you take a bold step to achieve your newly set goal. I know you will succeed because you are a person with the imperilments to succeed. May God continue to bless you abundantly in your new endeavours,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who presented a plaque to the retiring law enforcement officer.