The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) celebrated another milestone yesterday with the promotion of 257 officers from the rank of Corporal to Sergeant. One officer was also promoted from Sergeant to Inspector.
The ceremony, which was one of the largest promotion exercises at the TTPS since 2016 was held at the Police Academy in St. James. It was an undertaking long in coming but one the Commissioner of Police (Ag.) Mc Donald Jacob and the TTPS Executive worked assiduously at achieving. The process involved a review of the promotion system to meet the organisation’s strategic priority of developing effective leaders.
CoP (Ag.) Jacob, in his address, noted the significance of the promotions and said that it would augur well in motivating and building the morale of not only the newly promoted officers but others in the organisation as well. He offered the new sergeants a poignant reminder, “You are the future of the Service.” He went on to state that as such, they must take a stand when the organisation’s foundation is being attacked. He stated that this would send a positive message to the public as well as junior officers who will also one day be at the helm. He also encouraged them to continue advising and mentoring the officers in their charge.
DCP (Ag.) Erla Christopher, in her remarks, expressed her pleasure and honour to be able to witness the memorable occasion and celebrate with them. She also acknowledged their hard work, long hours, and the time sacrificed away from family during their journey to becoming a sergeant. She urged them, “don’t allow current issues affect your service” and instead commit to providing “professional and exceptional policing service.” She highlighted the fact that they were now well-equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to do their jobs effectively.
The officers’ efforts were also noted by Insp. Wayne Stanley an observer of the promotion process. He urged them to find ways to support younger officers but stressed that, “If you never learn to follow, you’ll never learn to lead.” He reminded them that the “job is a vocation – a calling to serve and help people,” and that they should be prepared to do this despite the hurdles and naysayers they will inevitably encounter.
The ceremony culminated with officers receiving their letters of promotion and well-deserved congratulations from members of the Executive including CoP (Ag.) Jacob, Acting DCPs Erla Christopher and Wendell Williams, Acting ACPs Collis Hazel, Joseph Chandool, Andy Belfon, Drucilla Jackman, and William Nurse, and President of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA), ASP (Ag.) Gideon Rayon Dickson. Also in attendance were Provost of the Police Academy, Simon Alexis, Head of the Human Resource Branch, Snr Supt (Ag.) Sherma Maynard-Wilson, and specially invited guests including members of the Promotion Advisory Board.
