Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Jacqueline Vanterpool has called on police officers to rise above their personal differences. Photo: Facebook

President of the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Association, Sergeant Sean A. McCall (left) and Regional Secretary of the Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Association, Detective Corporal David Bonnet (right). Photo: Internet Source

She was addressing the opening ceremony of the 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the CFPWA at Veronica’s House of Commerce in Long Bush.

Sergeant McCall was arrested, allegedly at the request of former Commissioner Mark Collins, in March of 2023, and his phone was taken and searched. Mr McCall had spoken out against injustice in the police force under Collins.

Mr McCall had responded with the filing of two motions in the High Court. In one of the motions, he cited that a search warrant under the Cybercrimes Act contravened his rights under the Constitution.

In the second motion filed in the court by Officer McCall, he sought a Judicial Review over police disciplinary charges laid on the basis of delay and abuse of power.

"It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the existing tensions surrounding the current suspension of our Chairman Sergeant Sean McCall, and ongoing concerns related to the suspension of Regional Secretary Detective Corporal David Barnett. I am fully aware of the sentiments and concerns of the executive regarding these matters," Acting CoP Vanterpool said.

"Let me reassure you that we are hopeful that, despite these challenges, members will rise above their personal differences, seek common ground, and work toward common resolutions,” Ms Vanterpool told the membership. 

She told them the strength of any federation lies in its ability to overcome adversity with integrity, transparency and unity.

Timely theme

Acting CoP Vanterpool added that the theme for this year’s AGM, ‘Rethinking, Reengineering, Recalibrating and Resetting a course for Viable and Sustainable Partnerships that will enhance the welfare of all our Police Officers’ it is both timely and powerful. 

“It calls on all of us, not only to reflect on the existing practices but to take bold, collaborative steps forward and toward to ensure officers everywhere are supported, valued and empowered,” she said.

She reminded them that any meaningful and successful impact in this area will lead to tangible benefits, improved service delivery, elevated morale and strengthened bonds of camaraderie and mutual respect among police officers 

“These are not just organisational gains, they are personal human victories for the people across our communities.”

The AGM comes to an end today, Thursday, March 22, 2025.