Police Commissioner Michael Matthews welcomes attendees to the sixth annual conference of the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations on May 24. Photo: KATIE KING

The Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations, a regional non-profit organisation that strives to improve the working conditions of police officers, kicked off its sixth annual conference at Maria’s by the Sea in Road Town on May 24.

Police Commissioner Michael Matthews welcomes attendees to the sixth annual conference of the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations on May 24. Photo: KATIE KING
It was the first time the three-day conference was held in the territory, according to Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Acting Sergeant Sean McCall, the chairman of the local Police Welfare Association,

“It was very successful,” he said. “I think we set certain standards.”

Mr. McCall, who noted that hosting the conference was a “morale booster” for the local PWA, said it was also the first time that all member nations sent a delegate to attend.

The federation is made up of 13 countries and territories: St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, and the Virgin Islands.

Police Commissioner Michael Matthews welcomed attendees to the event, which included policy discussions and presentations, as well as a special tribute to officers who died over the past year.

“We all try our best to keep our communities safe, and in doing so some pay the ultimate price,” Mr. Matthews said.

Although Governor John Duncan and Premier Dr. Orlando Smith were unable to attend, Mr. Matthews added that he was grateful to both leaders for the support they have shown the police force in recent months.

He also commended the CFWPA for the work it does to protect officers, and urged the organisation to continue “bugging commissioners” to make positive changes.

“You are performing an important role,” he said.

Although many serious topics were discussed, the delegates also made time for a little fun: The event concluded with a sailing trip to The Baths, Virgin Gorda. 

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