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Outgoing Commissioner James |
After serving the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) for almost 41 years, Police Commissioner Winston James has called it a day.
However, the former Police Commissioner quickly pointed out that his retirement should not be taken as a surprise.
Addressing his retirement ceremony which was organized by the Administrative Staff of the RGPF, James said he was due to retire two years ago."I was asked to stay on, and was given an extension, and that extension is up today, 31st July (2008). So it is not by surprise I am leaving, and as some people may say, I must go. I knew I had to go, I was preparing for that," he said.
The former Police Commissioner recalled the moment when he joined the RGPF 40 years ago.
He said at that time, August 21, 1967, 21 persons joined the police force. However, only two of them remained. The other person being Superintendent Roy Raymond.
Raymond is also due to leave the RGPF in December.
James spoke of former Police Commissioner Adonis Francis being one of his mentors.
His first encounter with Francis was when, as a constable, he worked along with him (Francis) who held the rank of Sergeant, at South St. George. He also worked along with Francis at CID.
James credited Francis for guiding him during his early years as a police officer.
The retired Commissioner indicated that it was not easy for him during his 40-year period in the RGPF. He said it was a tough road for the RGPF and Grenada as a whole."I saw governments come, and governments go. I saw politicians come, and politicians go. I saw Prime Ministers come, and Prime Ministers go. I also saw... Governor Generals come, and Governor Generals go. But what is distinct, is that the Royal Grenada Police Force remained alive like a strong rock," he said.
Deputy Commissioner Franklyn Redhead who addressed the function described the ceremony as being a bitter/sweet occasion.
Redhead said 40 years of unbroken "distinguish service" is a significant milestone.
The senior police officer said he believes that throughout the challenges and triumphs that James faced, he remained true to his character, and served the institution of law enforcement and country in the finest tradition of a professional police officer.
"If there is a legacy that personifies Winston, the man and the police professional, I think it would be the quiet, dignified and composed manner in which he conducted his business. And if there is an enduring lesson in that legacy, it could be the value of being a quiet and efficient achiever," he said.
The retirement ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Tillman Thomas, Attorney General, James Bristol, Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David, former Governor General, Sir Paul Scoon, and former Police Commissioner, Francis, among others.
