Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Lyndon Oliver has been honoured with the Public Choice Award after being overwhelmingly selected by members of the public as St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ most outstanding police officer.
The recognition followed a public call by journalist, youth ambassador and content creator Kenville Horne, who invited people through his social media platform to identify their favourite or best police officer, active or retired.
Oliver emerged as the clear choice, with members of the public highlighting his professionalism, fairness and willingness to go beyond his official duties to assist others, particularly young people.
The award was presented to Oliver during a ceremony at Police Headquarters on Monday.
In presenting the award, Horne said the recognition was intended to ensure that the work of police officers who serve with integrity does not go unnoticed.
“Today, I stand before you with a heart full of pride, gratitude and respect as I recognize a man who has dedicated over 30 years of his life to serving and protecting the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines — Officer Lyndon Oliver,” Horne said.
Horne, who became the first Vincentian to receive the Queen’s Young Leaders Award in 2015 for community development and youth activism, and the first Vincentian to receive the Commonwealth Points of Light Award, said he was particularly pleased to present the recognition.
He noted that while police officers are often highlighted when there are complaints, controversies or incidents, the contributions of officers who quietly perform their duties with professionalism can sometimes be overlooked.
“Recently, I asked members of the public to name their favourite or best police officer. I did not tell people who to choose. I did not tell them what to say. I simply asked the people to speak. And the people spoke,” Horne said.
“Your name, Officer Oliver, came up again and again.”
According to Horne, members of the public described Oliver as upright, fair, respectful and professional, while noting his ability to treat people with dignity.
He said the fact that people voluntarily remembered Oliver after 31 years of service was significant.
“When ordinary people take the time to remember an officer after 31 years of service, that tells us something powerful. It tells us that your uniform may be what people saw, but your character is what they remembered,” Horne said.
Horne also used the occasion to recognize other police officers who work without receiving public accolades.
“There are officers who go to work every day and never make the headlines. There are officers who settle disputes, comfort victims, help young people, protect families, respond to emergencies and serve their communities without ever receiving a plaque or a standing ovation,” he said.
He encouraged those officers to remember that their work is seen and appreciated.
Turning his attention back to Oliver, Horne said respect from the public was among the greatest forms of recognition a police officer could receive.
“Medals can be presented by institutions, certificates can be signed by authorities, and titles can be given by organizations. But respect from the people is earned. And clearly, Officer Oliver, you have earned yours,” he said.
Horne concluded his presentation by urging Oliver to “take a bow” for his 31 years of service, sacrifices and the lives he has touched.
“Whenever you look at this recognition, I hope you remember one thing: The people were watching. The people remembered. And the people said, ‘Lyndon Oliver deserves to be recognized,’” Horne said.
He also thanked Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Simmons and Commissioner of Police for facilitating the presentation and for their warm reception.
Oliver, who was visibly appreciative of the recognition, said he was surprised by the award and grateful to the public for selecting him.
“I want to thank the public for overwhelmingly choosing me. It was a surprise, but I do my best. I thrive on serving people, and from day one, that is what I love doing, and I continue to do over the years, and I will continue to do,” Oliver said.
“So thanks to the people, and thanks to everyone. Thank you.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Hesran Ballantyne also played a key role in arranging the surprise presentation.
Ballantyne reportedly lured Oliver to his office under the pretext of a meeting, allowing Horne to arrive and surprise him with the award.
In brief remarks, Ballantyne thanked Horne and his team for recognizing what he described as one of the Police Force’s “most hardworking officers.”
He said the public recognition could encourage other officers to understand the importance of being loyal, fair and hardworking.
Ballantyne noted that Oliver had recently completed 31 years in the Police Force and said the organization had also recognized his milestone from an internal perspective.
He welcomed the public recognition as an additional acknowledgement of Oliver’s contribution.
“Oftentimes, the police are seen for just arresting and taking people possibly to court. But, of course, there is much more that we do for the public,” Ballantyne said.
He highlighted the work carried out by police officers at the administrative level, including assisting members of the public with various services and initiatives.
Ballantyne also urged officers to maintain professionalism in their dealings with the public.
He again congratulated Oliver and thanked Horne and his team for the initiative, while encouraging them to continue recognizing positive contributions within the community.
