Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has delivered a blistering critique of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, describing it as “non-functional” and led by a commissioner who “doesn’t have anything named courage.”
Burnett made the remarks during the United Progressive Party’s _Vehicle Gate_ town hall meeting, where a panel of former civil servants, attorneys, and political figures discussed the alleged multimillion-dollar government vehicle scandal. Speaking candidly, Burnett said the police force has reached its lowest point in history, plagued by weak leadership and a lack of integrity.
He said the Royal Police Force “is in the worst state at present that it has ever been,” adding that “notwithstanding that in recent times we would have heard and seen a lot of officers being successful in their studies and getting good grades,” the organization’s condition has deteriorated. “Acquiring degrees—this is the worst we have seen the Royal Police Force. There is the head of the constabulary who doesn’t have anything named courage,” Burnett said.
He told the audience that courage, not credentials, defines effective policing. “In these institutions, you must have a measure of courage,” he said. “It’s not about all these degrees and scholarships, as the prime minister has been telling us about. You must have courage and integrity about you. You cannot do a good job without those in place.”
Burnett argued that the police administration must first “get its act together” before it can properly fulfill its mandate under the law. He insisted that every police officer has a legal and moral duty to investigate crimes once they become aware of an offense, regardless of who is involved.
He added that “once you get wind of an offense or a crime, it’s your responsibility to investigate.” However, he noted that some investigations cannot be carried out without government support. Referring to the vehicle scandal, he said police would need that support, which is why the Director of Public Prosecutions should take the lead.
Burnett also reminded the audience that the term “alleged” simply means “not yet proven in a court of law.” He warned that the failure of the police hierarchy to act decisively erodes public confidence and undermines the rule of law.
He concluded that the force must “get its act together, get some fortitude, and go do their job—the job they are mandated to do by law,” adding that courage and integrity are what Antigua and Barbuda need most “starting with those entrusted to uphold its laws.”
