— Forty-three new police officers officially joined the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday after successfully completing the 50th Recruit Training Course, with Police Academy Commandant Superintendent Rodney Ellis telling the graduates that while their examination scores will soon be forgotten, the public will remember how they conduct themselves throughout their careers.

Delivering the Commandant’s Report during the graduation ceremony at the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy, Ellis described the occasion as a landmark in the force’s history, marking the 50th graduating class since formal recruit training began in 1967.

“Course 50 represents more than another graduating class. It marks a significant milestone in the history of recruit training within the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda,” Ellis said. “The 50th Recruit Training Course symbolises decades of commitment, sacrifice, discipline and service to our nation.”

Using a cricket analogy, Ellis reflected on the academy’s history, saying Sir Wright F. George “opened the batting” by laying the foundation for police training in Antigua and Barbuda, while successive commandants continued building the institution over the decades. He also noted that the academy’s last five commandants all went on to become commissioners or deputy commissioners of police.

Ellis said he sought God’s guidance after being appointed to oversee the historic course earlier this year and adopted Proverbs 22:6—“Train up a child in the way he should go”—as the guiding principle throughout the six-month programme.

“When the commissioner called me in late January and informed me that I would assume responsibility for this course, I asked Almighty God for wisdom, strength and guidance to lead this training successfully,” he said.

Training began with 54 special constables—32 men and 22 women—who entered the academy with the intention of becoming regular police officers. Ellis said recruits quickly encountered the physical, mental and emotional demands of policing through rigorous physical training and classroom instruction.

“From the very first day the recruits were introduced to the reality of police life, beginning with rigorous physical training. For many it was unlike anything they had previously experienced. The first few weeks tested them physically, mentally and emotionally,” he said.

Not everyone completed the programme. Ellis reported that one female recruit and one male recruit resigned for medical reasons, while two others had their contracts terminated for disciplinary reasons and two resigned for personal reasons. Despite the attrition, he said those who remained demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the course.

The recruits completed 11 core modules covering administration, general policing, professional and personal development, the criminal justice system, laws and local statutes, tactical skills, traffic and road safety, crime and criminal activity, criminal investigations and practical field training. The academy also placed special emphasis on customer service, with officials from the Ministry of Tourism helping to train recruits on interacting with the public.

Ellis reported that 43 recruits successfully achieved the required standard of 350 marks out of a possible 500, producing an overall pass rate of 95.6 percent.

“I am proud to report that 43 recruits successfully completed the programme,” he said. “This represents an overall pass rate of 95.6 percent, a testament to the hard work of the recruits and the dedication of the instructors at the academy.”

He said the graduating class had demonstrated competence across every area of instruction and expressed confidence in their ability to serve the country.

“You have shown discipline, professionalism and a genuine willingness to learn. Therefore, Commissioner, I assure you, the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, that the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is moving in the right direction in preparing officers capable of safeguarding our nation,” Ellis said.

Ellis reserved special praise for the academy’s instructors, saying they had produced an outstanding class despite operating with limited resources.

“Despite limited resources, you remained committed, professional and resilient. Through your dedication, you produced an outstanding group of officers. No praise is too great for your effort,” he said.

Addressing the graduates directly, Ellis reminded them that their success would ultimately be measured not by academic achievement but by the confidence they inspire in the communities they serve.

“The public will not remember your examination score, your physical training result. They will remember your integrity. They will remember your professionalism. They will remember how you treat them,” he said.

He told the new officers that while the academy had fulfilled its responsibility by equipping them with the values and standards expected of the organisation, it was now their duty to uphold those principles throughout their careers.

“We have done our part by training you according to the values and standards of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda. Now it is your responsibility to uphold those standards,” Ellis said.

Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Ellis encouraged the graduates to persevere in the face of challenges.

“‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts,’” he said before wishing the graduates success in their policing careers.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda Welcomes 43 New Officers.