St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Timothy Harris announced this evening the appointment of the new high command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
The new commissioner of police is Mr. Ian Queeley, a thirty year veteran of the force. Before this promotion Mr. Queeley was the ACP responsible for crime. He had long been touted to replace former commissioner C. G. Walwyn who resigned following the election victory of Team Unity early last year. In a radio and television national address on February 9, 2016, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, announced the appointment of a new Police High Command, with Mr. Queeley as the top cop.
“He has overall accountability for all Policing matters. The buck stops with him and he must hold all subordinates accountable for performance,” Prime Minister Harris said.
Dr. Harris said that Mr. Queeley has over 30 years as a police officer, half of which he has served at strategic management and executive levels.
“He has had a well-rounded career having spent 13 years working in the drug squad. He has also spent 3 years on secondment to the Central Liaison Office of the Regional Security System (RSS) as a Permanent Instructor where he had special responsibilities for Physical Training, Weapon Training and Internal Security,” the prime minister said, adding that “he has two degrees and professional training from the best policing institutions.”
The other members of the high command are Mr. Hilroy Brandy head of the Nevis Division who was elevated to Deputy Commissioner. He has been a member of the police force for 35 years. Mr. Terrance James is Assistant Police Commissioner. He is a 29 year veteran of the force. Andrew Mitchell a 25 year veteran is Assistant Police Commissioner. And Ms. Mercelyn Hughes the lone female comprising the high command has been elevated from Inspector to Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for the Administration, Resources, Technology and Intelligence Directorate.
Prime Minister Harris said the positions are “for a twelve month probationary period.” His hope is that this team can lead a more effective and successful police force and help to rebuild the morale of the officers and public confidence in the police that has eroded over the years. The public persistently heavily criticize the police for their poor performance, particularly in dealing with the escalating violent crimes and below average detection rate.
Meantime, the former Acting Commissioner Mr. Stafford Liburd has been sent on pre-retirement leave. According to Dr. Harris, when Liburd return, he will find a place with the government, most likely within the Ministry of National Security. Merclyn Hughes, the lone female in the High Command, has 37 years of policing experience with a special focus on leading in strategic intelligence.
Prime Minister Harris commended Mr. Queeley, Mr. Brandy, Mr. James, Mr. Mitchell and Ms. Hughes on their new appointments and welcomed them to their new challenge, while reminding them that the nation holds them to the highest standards.
The Minister of National Security encouraged the new Police High Command to lead, inspire, and motivate, while asking them to be innovative.