The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is seeking to have the top cop position filled within the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) with the departure of Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney.Reports are that Commissioner Rodney will be leaving the force to take up a new role with the Regional Security System (RSS).
Minister of Public Safety Sir Steadroy Benjamin confirmed to Observer AM host Dr Jacqui Quinn that Rodney has been offered a very senior post within the Regional Security System (RSS).
Sir Steadroy said that Rodney visited his office last Thursday (Feb 27) and informed him that the RSS has offered him the position of deputy director, with the regional security agency which is based in Barbados.
According to Sir Steadroy, Rodney indicated that he asked for God’s guidance in his decision-making; and, after a night of prayer, he and his family were of the view that he should accept the offer.
He said during the commissioner’s visit to his office, he [Rodney] sought his opinion on the matter; and having discussed the “very attractive terms of the position and the fact that an Antiguan and Barbudan would, for the first time, occupy such a senior position,” he recommended that he accept the offer.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has been made aware of the commissioner’s decision and has offered his full support to Rodney on his professional move, Sir Steadroy shared.
The Minister of National Security said Rodney’s new role would be of benefit towards enhancing security in the region and reflects the high regard in which Antigua and Barbuda is held regionally in matters of national security.
Sir Steadroy said that arrangements are currently being put in place to have the Commissioner’s position filled as soon as his vacation ends and he proceeds on pre-retirement leave.
However, he was unable, at this time, to give a timeline by which a new commissioner would be announced.
Sir Steadroy noted
that he along with PM Browne and the entire Cabinet congratulated Commissioner Rodney for this outstanding professional move to serve the sub-region in a senior capacity, while wishing him all the best in his future endeavours.
During his policing career Commissioner Rodney took part in several courses including RSS Instructor’s Manual development for Recruit Syllabus, First management of Project on International Cooperation, RSS Staff and Command and Hostage Negotiations.
He was seconded to the RSS many years ago and worked as the staff officer there.
Rodney, who has served within the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda for over three decades, was appointed Commissioner of Police in 2019 following the departure of then commissioner Wendel Robinson, now Alexander.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in communications and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for his contribution to national and regional security in the Caribbean.
Rodney’s tenure as the top cop had gone through some turbulence with criticism from members of the public and even some officers who questioned his commitment to the organization.
He had been at odds with the Police Welfare Association (PWA) which had written to Sir Steadroy expressing its displeasure with regards to the running of the RPFAB as it sought to have the recommendations of 2023 strategic plan implemented.
The PWA had compared Rodney’s tenure to that of former commissioners both pre and post independence.
