TWENTY-SIX GRADUATE FROM RSS TACTICAL COURSE, STRENGTHENING NATIONAL SECURITY IN SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
Basseterre, Saint Kitts, April 18, 2026 (SKNIS): Twenty-six men and women were recognised on Friday (April 17) for successfully completing the Regional Security System Training Institute Basic Tactical Training Course 1 of 2026.
The men and women, drawn from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, His Majesty’s Prison and the St. Kitts and Nevis Customs and Excise Department, graduated at a parade and ceremony held at the National Heroes Park at Conaree.
The January 26 to April 17 training saw the participants engage in advanced training and tactics in land and sea scenarios in theoretical and practical applications spanning ambush operations, raids, reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and border security drills. The training also featured key modules in financial investigations, asset recovery, anti-money laundering, and digital forensics, highlighting the evolving and interconnected nature of modern threats.
Awards were presented to outstanding individuals. Police Constables receiving awards were Stefen Modeste for Best at Map Reading; Kyle Grant, Best Pistol Shot and Best at Drills; Jerzelle Challenger, Best at Physical (Female), and Kelly-Ann Francis, Best Turn Out Student. Best Rifle Shot went to Sergeant Vallen Rogers, His Majesty’s Prison, while Kuame Rey of the Customs and Excise Department earned awards for Best at First Aid, Best at Physical (Male) and Best Student.
Commissioner of Police, James Sutton, commended the graduands, noting that their success in the course “reflects a shared commitment strengthening national security and enhancing operational readiness, efficiency, and interoperability of law enforcement and security agencies.”
“Across our region, and indeed globally, law enforcement agencies are confronted with increasingly diverse challenges including transnational organised crime, cyber-enabled offences, illicit trafficking, terrorism, environmental threats, and other emerging risks,” COP Sutton stated. “These realities demand that we remain prepared, adaptable, and professionally equipped to respond effectively.”
Atlee Rodney, Deputy Executive Director of the Regional Security System, commended Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, for his leadership. He explained that this training was a result of an assessment that the prime minister initiated in 2025.
“Regionally, all RSS Basic Special Services Unit Tactical Course unites law enforcement officers across multiple member states, strengthening the regional integration embodied in our motto, ‘Strength through Unity.’ Yet, this one is different. It was a special request from the authorities of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the RSS answered the call,” Mr. Rodney said. “Why? Because when the prime minister identifies critical priority gaps within the security forces and asked decisively to close them, the RSS stands ready. When a nation requires over 30 highly trained operators drawn from the police, defence force, prison service and the customs department in just twelve weeks, the RSS delivers.”
Mr. Rodney pledged that the RSS will continue to assist Saint Kitts and Nevis and other member states in order to strengthen regional security and cooperation.
Prime Minister Drew congratulated the graduands and pledged a $1,000 bonus to celebrate their accomplishment. The Best Student received a pledge of $1,500.
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