During an official gathering marked by reflection and forward-looking commitment yesterday, Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney officially announced his departure from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB), transferring leadership responsibilities to Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers, after nearly seven years at the helm.
The ceremony, attended by senior officials including the new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Public Safety, Mrs Janice Michael, highlighted the challenges and achievements of the police force under Rodney’s leadership.
Commissioner Rodney, who has served the RPFAB for 43 years, will be taking up a new position with the Regional Security System (RSS) in Barbados.
During his farewell address, he reflected on his journey and the risks he has taken throughout his career.
“Today marks a significant milestone in my own personal law enforcement career,” Commissioner Rodney said. “When you drink the water, remember those who dug the well. That is a Chinese proverb reminding us to be grateful for what we enjoy today because some persons made a sacrifice before.”
He stressed the importance of maintaining integrity and providing quality service to both internal and external stakeholders. “We have two sets of customers, and we must serve both faithfully and with integrity,” he said. “We have the internal customers — those that we serve in here, and then we have those members of the public that must be treated with courtesy.”
Acting Commissioner Jeffers, who will lead the force following Rodney’s departure, spoke about the challenges facing law enforcement in current times.
“What we’re seeing among us today is a new phenomenon. We’re seeing people who have no regard for life,” he said. “What we need to do is to continue to lift up our eyes unto the hills from whence cometh our help. I want to pay tribute to all of you for the work that you have been doing.”
Jeffers also expressed gratitude to Commissioner Rodney for his mentorship: “I want to thank you for not just being my co-worker, but my friend and my brother in the Lord. I have no doubt that you’re going to do well because I know that you’re not taking and trusting in yourself. You’re going with the Lord.”
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Michael highlighted the unity required to face current security challenges.
“Today, God has given this great organization another opportunity to gather, not just as members of a law enforcement body, but as a united caucus, driven by our shared values and our common mission,” she said. “Together I am confident that we have the strength, the capacity, the aptitude, the knowledge, the experience, and everything that this country needs to navigate these challenges effectively.”
The ceremony concluded with a presentation to Commissioner Rodney acknowledging his years of dedicated service, and a musical rendition by the police band.
Commissioner Rodney’s move to the RSS denotes a continuation of his commitment to regional security. In his new role, he will be responsible for coordinating security efforts across the eight-member organization, including both police forces and military units throughout the Caribbean region.
