MISS TRESAN SHARPE OF THE ROYAL BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE FORCE CROWNED MISS CFPWA TRUE BLUE BEAUTY

St. Johns, Antigua & Barbuda, Saturday, October 26, 2024— On October 25, 2024, the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations (CFPWA) proudly hosted the True Blue Beauty Pageant, celebrating the outstanding contributions and achievements of female police officers from across the region. The event took place at the prestigious John E. St. Luce Finance & Conference Center, St. John,  Antigua and Barbuda and showcased the talent, strength, and dedication of these remarkable women.

The pageant attracted participants from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, the Royal St. Lucia Police Force, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force as well as the Guyana Police Force all competing in a series of categories that highlighted their skills, intelligence, and commitment to service. Attendees enjoyed a night filled with inspiring performances, heartfelt speeches, and an atmosphere of camaraderie among the contestants.

After an exhilarating evening of competition, Miss Tresan Sharpe of the Royal British Virgin Islands Police Force was crowned the winner of the True Blue Beauty Pageant 2024. Her poise, charisma, and advocacy for community engagement earned her the title, marking a significant moment for both her and the CFPWA. Miss Shania Samuel of the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force was first runner up, and Miss Nickesha Lewis of the Guyana Police Force was second runner up.

“Tonight, we celebrated not only beauty but the true essence of a policewoman; the talent, brilliance, and dedication of our police officers from around the region is most admirable, and Miss True Blue Beauty Pageant provides our female officers with another avenue to help them showcase their talent and intellectual capabilities whilst advocating for changes to improving the lives of police officers across the region,” said David Barnett, General Secretary of the CFPWA. Each contestant exemplified the spirit of service and commitment to their communities, making it a truly memorable event.

The CFPWA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Miss Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and all participants for their exemplary performances. This pageant is not only a platform for showcasing talent but also a way to promote unity and empowerment among women in law enforcement throughout the Caribbean.

General Secretary Barnett continued that “the CFPWA is dedicated to supporting and empowering police officers across the Caribbean. Through initiatives like the True Blue Beauty Pageant, the CFPWA aims to foster camaraderie, promote professional development, and highlight the critical role of law enforcement while raising much-needed funds for our Welfare and Disaster Relief Fund.

The CFPWA wants to express our gratitude to all our sponsors from across the region and look forward to their continued support. You can find the True Blue Beauty Pageant 2024 Magazine on our website, cfpwa.com.

We must also express our gratitude to the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Welfare Association and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, who made this possible.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

General Secretary, David Barnett: generalsecretary@cfpwa.com or 876-373-4202

Public Relations Officer, Tricia Durant-Charles: pro@cfpwa.com or 868-336-7776

CARIBBEAN FEDERATION OF POLICE WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS (CFPWA) ANNOUNCES THEME FOR INAGURAL TRUE BLUE PAGEANT: “UNITED WE SERVE”.

October 12, 2024 — The Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations (CFPWA) is excited to officially announce the theme for its inagural True Blue Pageant: “United We Serve.” This theme highlights the power of unity and collective service across the Caribbean, with a particular focus on the roles that law enforcement, community leaders, and public servants play in fostering positive change and strengthening the bond between police forces and the communities they protect.

"United We Serve" emphasizes the shared commitment to service and collaboration in the Caribbean that transcends borders and brings the region together. It reflects the values of leadership, teamwork, and the selfless dedication that are central to the CFPWA’s mission. This year's contestants, representing various member states, will demonstrate not only their individual talents and achievements but also their passion for uplifting and serving their communities.

Through this theme, the True Blue Pageant aims to inspire all who attend to reflect on the importance of unity in achieving progress and safety. Contestants will embody the spirit of service in every aspect of the competition, from their National Costume presentations to their community-driven “Beauty with a Purpose” projects.

As part of the CFPWA's commitment to nurturing both beauty and service, this pageant will be a major fundraiser supporting charitable initiatives and development programs within police forces across the Caribbean. We invite everyone to join us for this year's event and witness the unity, strength, and resilience of our region's finest.

The CFPWA True Blue Beauty Pageant is set to celebrate and honour the remarkable contributions of policewomen from across the Caribbean. Far from being just a beauty contest, this event provides a distinguished platform for these brave women to showcase their talents, intelligence, and dedication beyond their professional roles. It aims to highlight their achievements and offer them a stage where their diverse abilities can shine.

The CFPWA True Blue Pageant will take place on Friday, October 25, 2024 at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre, Antigua & Barbuda, which is final activities for the CFPWA 11th Intercessional Meeting and a fundraiser for the CFPWA Welfare and Disaster Relief Fund.

Competing for the Miss CFPWA True Blue Beauty title are:

Contestant # 1 - Tresan Sharpe, representing the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force

Contestant # 2 - Neddia Bromley, representing the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service

Contestant # 3 - Sabrina Mangal, representing the Royal St. Lucia Police Force

Contestant # 4 - Regine Clement, representing the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service

Contestant # 5 - Shania Samuel, representing the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force

Contestant # 6 - Nickesha Lewis, representing the Guyana Police Force

 

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

General Secretary, David Barnett: generalsecretary@cfpwa.com or 876-373-4202

Public Relations Officer, Tricia Durant-Charles: pro@cfpwa.com or 868-336-7776

 

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Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations Gears Up for its 10th Intercessional Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sunday, November 5, 2023– The Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations (CFPWA) is set to convene in Trinidad and Tobago for a two-day Intercessional Meeting on November 9 and 10, 2023, at the prestigious Police Academy. Executive Members and Delegates from across the region will begin their arrival on Monday, November 6, 2023.

The theme for this significant gathering is "Representation is not about oneself but representing the protector’s interest through respectful dialogue, skilful negotiations, and fervent advocacy." The meeting aims to foster a collaborative environment for law enforcement professionals to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and strategize on ways to better serve and protect their communities.

The Opening Ceremony, a momentous event in itself, will witness the presence of esteemed dignitaries and special guests from the law enforcement community. The Guest Speaker for the occasion is the President of the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago, Honourable Deborah Thomas-Felix. Her insights are anticipated to provide valuable perspectives on the intersection of legal and law enforcement issues.

Adding to the distinguished line-up, Mrs. Erla Harewood-Christopher, Commissioner of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, will also address the meeting, sharing her expertise and experiences in the field.

This 10th Intercessional Meeting is being hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA). The TTPSSWA, which has been a member of the CFPWA since its formation in 2007, is hosting this meeting for the very first time, and it promises to be one like no other.

The CFPWA Intercessional Meeting promises to be a forum for insightful discussions, skilful negotiations, and fervent advocacy for the welfare and interests of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving their communities. This event reflects the commitment of the Caribbean law enforcement community to continuous improvement and collaboration.

 

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

General Secretary: generalsecretary@cfpwa.com or 876-373-4202

Public Relations Officer: pro@cfpwa.com or 868-336-7776

Sexual harassment of Police Officers

The Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations (CFPWA) is appalled by the lack of action when sexual harassment is reported by Police Officers across the region.

The CFPWA has taken keen note of the situation in St. Lucia as it relates to the claims made by a Police Officer of sexual harassment by a Senior Member of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force. The attacks on Mr. Camron Laure, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association are unwarranted, and the attempt to politicise the matter is rather distasteful.

To the best of our knowledge, only Police Force/Service of the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have Sexual Harassment Policies. This is unacceptable in 2023. Every police organisation should have a Sexual Harassment Policy. We are cognizant of the fact that not only females are being harassed but, in several instances, males as well.

It is disappointing that despite the concerns and reports made by the Royal St. Lucia Police Welfare Association, the Senior member has not been placed on Administrative leave to facilitate an investigation, and the member continues to be elevated through the ranks of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force. This cannot be the way; it is incumbent on the Police Services Commission to cause an investigation to be done. The CFPWA stands in solidarity with Chairman Laure and his Executive to bring this matter to the fore and have the Officer involved removed from the Office until an investigation has cleared that person of the allegations.

The Welfare Associations and Federations around the region met under the theme "Building and Sustaining Police Officers' Welfare in the Caribbean for Better Societies Across the Region" from May 24th–26th, 2023, at the Bel Jou Hotel, St. Lucia and the matter of Sexual Harassment was main on our agenda.

"The CFPWA wants to encourage Police Officers to report acts of Sexual Harassment against them and use technology to capture the evidence. We are aware that there are instances where persons have been intimidated and/or threatened with promotion or being victimised." Said President Sean McCall. "Your CFPWA will be using the mediums available to us to edify our members about Sexual Harassment, and we want our Officers to join in for these online sessions." McCall posited.

Deplorable work conditions of the officers in St. John, Antigua & Barbuda

The Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations (CFPWA) has taken note of the deplorable working conditions of our members in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda.

The CFPWA has observed the less-than-humane conditions under which many of our Police Officers across the region have to operate. We have seen the images coming out of St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, where Police Officers had to offer their services from outside the mould and termite-infested building. We want to commend the Officers who, despite the conditions of their work, decided that they would continue to serve the Public nonetheless.

The CFPWA is aware that the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Welfare Association has made representations on these matters of poor working conditions. Chairperson Harris has been strident in her stance for better working conditions for the Officers of the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force. We understand that these dilapidated conditions have persisted for over two (2) decades.

"We have seen too much talk about fixing crimes around the region, yet our Police Officers have to operate from mould and termite-infested buildings. Our Officers have to go out without the proper Protective and ballistic gear. Which begs us to ask the question, Are our Governments serious about crime fighting or is it just a good talking point?" Lamented President Sean McCall. "We want to make it clear that the CFPWA stands with our members who refuse to operate under these conditions, as no other Government Department or agency is accepting these working conditions." McCall stated.

Commissioner Rodney in a recent press statement stated that "The building is seriously dilapidated, infested with termites, and has serious structural problems." The CFPWA would like to know who will be held culpable if there is a structural failure that causes harm or death to a Police Officer in that said building?

These dilapidated working conditions are not only a failure of one department or the management of the Force but also of other Government agencies. What is the purpose of the Public Health or Public Safety departments?

The CFPWA has learned that there has been a temporary solution to relocate some of the Officers to another location until these issues are remedied. We want to commend Commissioner Atlee Rodney for his swift response and actions in finding a temporary solution to house the Officers of the Criminal Records Office and the Prosecution Office. We understand that another department will remain, and a solution is being worked on for short-term relief until the building is renovated.

These conditions cannot persist, and we want to urge the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to follow through with their commitment without delay to addressing these issues.

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