Dominica’s Atlee Patrick Rodney has been confirmed as Police Commissioner of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.
Rodney is originally from the northern village of Savanne Paille near Tan Tan in the north.
The announcement came Wednesday 19th February, during a Senior Administrative Meeting at Police Headquarters.
Commissioner Rodney met with members of the Police Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday, where he was served with his letter of appointment, effective November 25th 2019.
Rodney, who has 38 years’ service within the organization acted in the position for a little more than 22 months before his confirmation.
His opportunity arose after the dismissal of the Commissioner of Police Wendel Robinson.
Robinson, who was born in St Vincent and the Grenadines, was on suspension since April 15th, 2018, when the Police Service Commission in Antigua began an internal investigation into complaints of sexual misconduct by male colleagues under the commissioner’s care.
The investigation later led to charges being brought against him and Rodney has been acting in the Police commissioner role ever since.
The newly appointed commissioner used the opportunity to encourage the men and women under his command to remain committed and united in their efforts to make Antigua and Barbuda a safer nation.
It’s such a shame that the Antiguan government can’t seem to find and Antiguan fit for such position. Really doesn’t look too good on us!
Very well done son of the soil. Policing is very dangerous, unappreciative work and not for the faint hearted. I saw you in action after Maria and knew you were destined to be a commissioner but really wished it was in Dca. We have a zehzeh here calling Chief who himself needs to be a constable all over again. May god bless and guide you sir and best of luck.
He is not the first Dominican to serve as chief, or commissioner of police in Antigua; the first was Edmond J. Bleze from the village of Grand Bay, he served for more than thirty years, dating back to the British colonial days; to years after Antigua became independent.
One of his sons also became chief in Tortola.
His services came to an end when he was victimized by the Birds; the late prime minister V. C. Bird, the father!
Dominicans has always played a significant role in the Antigua Police Force, at one time in 1962 the only finger print export within the police force was a Dominican.
Fire Chief too!
Furthermore all the ranking officers, such as Daniel from Portsmouth were Dominicans.
We must not forget however, that the majority of Antiguan’s (better educated) are not interested in serving in the the Antigua police force, that is why many years has recruited people from all the islands; but mainly the Windward islands to serve Antigua.
If is in Dominiva not even a coporal Mr wud get ner I. That currupt wi ked system… U have a special kind of duns kiat as a police boss in Dominica … And the thing that is really amazing is that they dosnt get rid of that duns kiat there ner… They have him embarassing the whole force,. But better he even stay because It have a new level of duns kiat following ..
It is so sad that the only place who keeps an incompetent Chief of Police for so long is Dominica. The COP has failed after Maria, failed during the election protest, major cases including drug cases are being dismissed because investigators not producing statements. The moral of the Police Force is at its all time low, it cant get worst. While his incompetent friends are being promoted over hard working and competent Officers. Hope Dominica takes a book from Antigua. Former Commissioner Robinson, of Antigua Police Force was one of the best Chief of Police Antigua has witness over the years. There was a serious allegations against him, however he was dismissed even if the matter is still before the courts. In Dominica they settle for incompetency in the Police Force.
Great news,wish you all the best,YOU HAVE MADE US PROUD.