Six officers in the Ministry of Tourism’s Beach Safety Unit are sworn in as special constables with the power to arrest

Six officers in the Beach Safety and Security Unit of the Ministry of
Tourism have been sworn in as special constables and are now
authorized to make arrests.

The six were presented with their official IDs during a special
ceremony held on Thursday, June 29, to mark this significant
milestone in the Unit’s growth, as well as its commitment to beach
safety.

McLean Lawrence, a technical trainer in the Unit and one of the
special constables, highlighted the Unit’s growth since it was
established in 2003, from its humble beginnings with 10 members.
The Unit has now expanded to a dedicated staff of 60.

Lawrence commended his colleagues – Egan Samuel, Akeem Daley,
Denton Williams, Travis Gumbs, and Peter Slowe – for their hard
work, determination, and successful completion of a rigorous
training program at the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy in May
2021.

This program, he said, has equipped them with the skills to enhance
beach safety and security.

Meanwhile, St. Claire Soleyn, the Ministry’s director of policy and
planning, spoke to the significance of installing special constables.

He noted that it was a long-awaited milestone and a crucial step
towards achieving the Ministry’s goals.

Soleyn said that enhanced security measures – including the
installation of towers and improved communication systems – will
further strengthen their ability to provide a safe and comfortable
experience for both locals and tourists.

He also noted that Antigua and Barbuda is recognized as one of the
safest destinations in the region. This should not be taken lightly, he
said, since potential visitors rely on the experiences shared by
others through online platforms.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Everton Jeffers – who reportedly
played a pivotal role in making the training possible – emphasized
the significance of their training and reminded the special
constables of their newfound status as professionals.

He encouraged them to carry out their duties with dedication and
confidence, as they have been equipped to handle various situations
effectively – from attending to beach-users in distress to addressing
disturbances that threaten beach security.

Reportedly, as part of their new role, the special constables may also
be called upon to assist the Police in the community when required.