Last Updated on August 17, 2022, 5:27 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The government is planning to review the opportunities available to females serving in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) in order to ensure gender equity within the law enforcement agency.
The issue was cited by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Terrance Drew, during his first meeting with the rank and file of the Police on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, hosted at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Conference Room.
Prime Minister Dr Drew stated that in a previous conversation with Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy. he had asked about the number of females in the RSCNPF and how many of these female officers comprised the top ranks.
“I know that women in society when it comes to the level of education and their competency, their levels are very high, but it is not being reflected in the Police Force, and I am asking myself are there [any] barriers in the Police Force that are [keeping] women from ascending,” Dr Drew observed.
“I want a report on how many women are here, the percentage you make up, and where are you in the strata of the direction of the Police Force in terms of leadership.”
The Prime Minister told officers attending the meeting that the numbers and trends suggest that the higher ranks have a lower representation of women. He added that any barriers, or perceived barriers, must be dismantled if the Force is expected to attract the best minds.
“I’m hoping that these barriers are not such that women do not see policing as a noble profession that they can enter in and have the opportunity to be professionals and serve their country,” Honourable Dr Drew expressed.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Garth Wilkin, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Osmond Petty, Commissioner of Police, Hilroy Brandy and other members of the Police High Command for the meeting.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
