Commissioner Everton Jeffers
PRESS RELEASE
As we join the global community in observing Human Rights Day, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda stands in solidarity with all who continue to champion the rights, freedoms, and dignity of people everywhere.
Today, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding these fundamental principles within our own organization and across our twin-island nation.
As the primary law enforcement agency, our foremost responsibility is to protect the rights, safety, and privileges of every individual residing in or visiting Antigua and Barbuda. We recognize the value of our people and the importance of working collectively to ensure that our nation remains one of the safest, most secure, and most peaceful in the Western Hemisphere.
Respect for human rights is deeply embedded in our Mission and Vision Statements, guiding our actions and shaping our approach to policing. The RPFAB is a community-oriented organization that strives to understand the needs of every citizen, provide the highest standard of service, and ensure that the laws of our nation are upheld with fairness, integrity, and compassion.
This year’s theme, “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” is a timely reminder that these rights are not abstract ideals, but daily necessities that safeguard human dignity and strengthen democratic societies. Everyone has a voice, and we believe they have a right to be heard, barring they do not slander or defame anyone’s character.
As we reflect on this theme, the Royal Police Force pledges to remain firmly rooted within the communities we serve, working together to meet the basic essential needs, freedoms, and wellbeing of all.
I encourage every resident of Antigua and Barbuda, including the dedicated men and women under my command, to uphold the rights and dignity of one another, not only today, but every day.
Let respect, fairness, and empathy be guiding principles in our interactions as we build a more just and harmonious society.
The Police Administration remains committed to ensuring that the rights of all are respected and protected in the interest of equity, justice, and national unity. I take this opportunity to extend sincere gratitude to the public for your continued cooperation and support.
Together, we will continue to make Antigua and Barbuda a better place for all, respecting each other’s views, ideas, and differences along the way.
May the rights and freedoms of every individual, here at home and across the world, always be upheld and cherished.
Mr. Everton Jeffers
Commissioner of Police
Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda
Hmmmmmm
Another ABLP puppet—Yes man!
Human Rights sir. Come on. IS the officer who killed that simon boy still at work sir
Until the Force demonstrates transparency, accountability, and equal treatment for all regardless of status or affiliation these statements will continue to sound disconnected from the lived reality of many Antiguans and Barbudans.
Important message, but people also need to feel those rights every day, not just hear about them once a year
The Commissioner’s message would carry far more weight if the Force’s actions aligned with these lofty principles. We cannot preach human rights while citizens complain about intimidation, selective enforcement, or the perceived politicisation of the police.
The public sees selective enforcement, heavy-handed actions against some citizens, and silence when abuses or politically influenced decisions occur. Before lecturing the nation about fairness, dignity, and compassion, the Police Force must first clean its own house and rebuild trust with the people it claims to serve.
The community keeps hearing warm messages every Human Rights Day, but what residents want is respectful treatment, timely responses, and a Police Force that acts without fear or favour.
Human rights are not upheld in speeches they are upheld in the streets, at crime scenes, during protests, and in everyday interactions with the public. The gap between rhetoric and reality is exactly why confidence in the Force continues to erode.