On Tuesday, a ceremony was held at Government House to honor the sixteen police officers who participated in a peace-keeping mission as part of the Regional Security System (RSS) in St Lucia last year.

The Governor General Deputy, Sir Clare Roberts, presented medals to the officers in the presence of senior officials of the force, other officials, and family members.

Sir Clare stated that this fourth ceremony would be the first and the last where the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda would be acknowledged for their contribution to the security and well-being of the region.

Specifically, he applauded the leadership of the Police and Defence Forces as well as the pioneers who had the vision of the Regional Security System forty years ago.

At that time, four Caribbean islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, signed a memorandum of agreement after identifying the need for a collective response to security threats to the region.

The Regional Security System, which has now become a regionally recognized entity, has shown its value to the constituents it serves on countless occasions.

The Citation lauded each officer individually for their outstanding meritorious service while serving as a member of the Regional Security System’s contingent in the peace support and security-related operations in support of the government and people of St. Lucia during the operational period from March 17 to August 1, 2023.

Each officer demonstrated professionalism, compassion, humanitarianism, and commitment during the operations in St. Lucia despite the challenging conditions.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Everton Jeffers, also offered words of gratitude and appreciation to the 16 officers, all of whom received the RSS Medal during the ceremony.

This ceremony was a fitting tribute to the brave and committed men and women of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda who put their lives on the line to maintain peace in St. Lucia.