Tributes paid to former St Kitts-Nevis police commissioner

The death for retired police commissioner Robert Jeffers has led to an outpouring of respect across St Kitts and Nevis.

He was 70 years old, and had been part of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force for over 40 years. He joined when he was 18 years old.

Prime Minister Timothy Harris led the tributes, praising his “dedicated service”.

“Mr Jeffers, who was an exceptionally talented law enforcement officer, would have joined the police force circa 1966, the year that Her Majesty the Queen honoured the organisation by adding the title ‘royal’ before its name, in recognition for services rendered during her visit to St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla.

“Mr Jeffers served loyally and proudly, taking seriously his oath to protect the country and people, while demonstrating strong leadership, prudence, courage and poise during a long, distinguished career that witnessed transformational shifts both in society and in policing.”

The current commissioner of police said that Jeffers “dedicated most of his adult life to ‘serving and protecting’ the people of our beautiful federation.”

Even after his retirement, Jeffers “continued to contribute to the police force and showed his support by attending events where possible”, said Ian M Queeley.

“On a personal note, I can say that it is because of his advice that I am where I am today and I thank him immensely. I know that he was very proud of my achievements in the organisation because he said it to me several times,” the commissioner added.

Leader of the opposition Denzil Douglas, who was prime minister when Jeffers was appointed commissioner in 2004, said that the former officer’s family should take comfort in the fact that “his is a legacy that is permanently etched into the history of St Kitts and Nevis.”

“Robert Jeffers dedicated his entire life to the service and protection of our people and our federation. Words cannot adequately convey the depth of love and appreciation I personally have for his service,” said the former PM.

“We as a people must be eternally grateful for the sacrifices he made to ensure that our nation’s peace and prosperity was always protected.