The Police Welfare Association (PWA) hosted a farewell cocktail for Mr. Michael Matthews last night, Tuesday April 13th, as he completes his final week in the post as Commissioner of Police.
Officers and police staff took to the microphone to give their personal tributes to Matthews including the Deputy Governor Mr. David Archer, who opened with brief reminders of their pleasurable working relationship.
Soon-to-be Commissioner of Police Mark Collins also addressed the gathering with words of commendation for Matthews for ensuring his smooth transition and for his work in bringing the Force through very difficult times.
Chairperson for the evening PWA head Sergeant Oneal Bakker detailed the ways that the Commissioner had impacted his life as did other members of the PWA. Acting Deputy Commissioner St. Clair Amory, Chief Inspector Paula Alleyne and his Staff Officer Carlton Saunders and many officers of RVIPF gave tributes in words and in song.
Commissioner Matthews noted his gratitude for the tributes but expressed that his achievements were largely as a result of the talents, gifts and brilliance of men and women that already existed within RVIPF.
At the end, all were invited to the unveiling of the Police Commissioner’s Commemorative Plate at the front of the Road Town Police Station where Matthews name is now engraved along with other former police commissioners from 1967.