Best Overall Recruit from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force’s Course No. 38 Grauduands, Treveron Richards, surmmarised his and his colleague’s journey from the commencement of training to the day of induction into the police force, with these words.
Police Constable Richards, delivered the vote of thanks at his course’s graduation ceremony (2nd June), during which he recounted the hardships and trials which they faced.
He said the rigorous physical training routines, the “bark and bite” of some of their trainers, the long hours, the feelings of despair and feelings of quitting, quickly dissipated thanks to the support of each other, encouraging words by the trainers to “dig deep” and an attitude of focus and endurance.
“Today is a day when we have a sense triumph. Our efforts have proven fruitful. Our achievements have been recognized and we are here today celebrating significant milestones in our lives. This day, however, will be a day filled with mixed emotions, for it is a day not only for reflection on the path we have trod but also to focus on the direction in which this new path will take us.”
He said the bond which was created between the members of the course, is one that will provide a fitting example for course recruits to come. On behalf of his fellow inductees, Constable Richards made a pledge to do their part in riding the Federation of the threat of crime and violence.
“We stand before you not just as a course but as a brotherhood, a fraternity, one that will set the standard for all other courses that will pass through these walls. Through our individual efforts and our unique skills and our ability to collaborate and unify our strengths, we have collectively raised the bar and set a new precedence for both old and new officers alike to admire and emulate.
“It is our intention to take these unique gifts and utilise them to combat the very menacing issue of crime and violence in our federation; whether it is on the beat and patrol, or in tactical areas such as the Special Services Unit or the Anti-Narcotics Unit or more technical areas such as scenes of crime, the Criminal Investigations Department or the Intelligence Unit. We vow from this day forth to ensure that the threat of crime and violence is vanquished and that the Queen’s peace be maintained indefinitely.”
No. 757 Constable Richards thanked all for the part they played in making the inductees’ journey to the point of induction, a memorable one which has prepared them for the task ahead.