On October 22nd 2021, the Royal Montserrat Police Force hosted its Police Recruit Passing Out Parade under the theme ‘Staff engagement is critical to the development of the Royal Montserrat Police Service and its members.’
Leslie Lewis, hailing from the community of Penville in the Northern part of Dominica, was named Best Police Recruit following his six-months training. Apart from capturing this title, Lewis grabbed seven (7) other awards including Best Kit Presentation, Top Traffic Collision Investigator, Commissioner of Police Leadership award, Deportment award, Top of police subjects award, Baton of Honor award and Best at Officer Safety Techniques.
Upon Interview with Emonews Ltd., Lewis expressed, “The training was as expected, late nights and early mornings, tiredness throughout the day. Yet, greatly rewarding. It has taught me a lot and gave me more insights into things that I might have been exposed to prior to the start of training.”
According to Lewis, embarking on this career path has allowed him to grow into a more selfless and passionate individual. “I have always been a part of a volunteer paramilitary program and being a full time essential service personnel brings me a greater level of gratification as selfless service is something that I am passionate about,” he voiced.
At the ceremony, Lewis was described as a disciplined individual who is willing to learn and grow. He was also dubbed a strong communicator and an intelligent worker, all of which are qualities of an outstanding police officer. Upon being awarded the Baton of Honor, he was further described as an individual with a passion for success who dedicated himself to every task, which is evident through his accomplishments throughout the course.
Moreover, Lewis expressed that he is thrilled to be a part of the Royal Montserrat Police Force and is even more ecstatic about his accomplishments over the past six (6) months. Ready to embark on this new venture, he stated that he is looking forward to serving the Montserrat community to the best of his ability.
Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that over the last five (5) years, three Dominicans, all of whom are from the community of Penville, have captured the title of best recruit in the Royal Montserrat Police Recruit Passing Out Ceremony. In 2016, Sherman Valmond emerged best recruit while in 2019 St Luke Le Blanc captured the title. To date, Lewis has followed in the steps of his fellow Dominicans and has proven that with hard work comes great results.
In the words of Publilius Syrus, “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm” but it is officers like Lewis who have the responsibility of exhibiting great leadership qualities to keep the ship righted, its crew safe and well cared for while working together to move the vessel steadily in the desired direction.
