VINCENTIAN OFFICERS STRENGTHEN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION SKILLS THROUGH RSS TRAINING
A criminal case can begin to fall apart long before it reaches the courtroom, not necessarily because an offence did not occur, but because evidence was poorly handled, procedures were misunderstood or weaknesses in the case were not identified early enough.
Three members of the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force have strengthened their ability to confront those problems after completing the Regional Security System Training Institute’s Criminal Practice and Procedure Course in Barbados.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was represented by Sergeant Delando Charles, Corporal Shenika Ragguette and Constable Akeem Soleyn. They joined 17 other law-enforcement officers and prosecutors from seven RSS member states for eight weeks of training, six weeks online followed by two weeks of intensive face-to-face instruction.
The course was developed after regional authorities identified technical weaknesses in the prosecution of criminal matters across the Eastern Caribbean. It focused on improving how officers analyse evidence, apply criminal procedure, prepare cases and conduct prosecutions before the summary courts.
One of the most valuable components was a simulated court hearing. Sergeant Charles, who led the defence team, and Corporal Ragguette were deliberately required to argue from the defence’s perspective, while Constable Soleyn represented the prosecution.
That reversal forced the officers to examine criminal cases from both sides. It showed them how procedural errors, evidential gaps and poorly prepared arguments can be challenged in court, and how those vulnerabilities can be addressed before an actual trial begins.
Sergeant Charles described the exercise as an “eye-opener,” noting that it exposed areas defence attorneys may scrutinise or challenge. Corporal Ragguette said the training gave her a clearer understanding of the respective functions of the magistrate, defence attorney and prosecutor, as well as the movement of a criminal case through the justice system. Constable Soleyn described his experience on the prosecution team as refreshing and expressed an interest in further training.
For the Vincentian public, the value of this course is straightforward. Stronger prosecution does not mean pursuing convictions at any cost. It means following the law, assessing evidence properly, presenting cases fairly and ensuring that avoidable mistakes do not undermine legitimate investigations.
Victims deserve cases that are competently prepared. Accused persons are entitled to a fair process. The courts require reliable evidence and sound legal arguments. Training of this nature strengthens all three.
The course was led by Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Clement Joseph, and funded through the 11th European Development Fund. It forms part of a wider regional effort to improve criminal prosecutions and strengthen confidence in the administration of justice throughout RSS member states.
The Commissioner of Police, the Police High Command and all ranks of the RSVGPF congratulate Sergeant Charles, Corporal Ragguette and Constable Soleyn on successfully completing the course and representing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the regional level.
Their achievement is not only a personal milestone. The knowledge brought back to the organisation can strengthen case preparation, sharpen courtroom advocacy and help other officers recognise weaknesses before matters reach trial.
The RSVGPF remains committed to providing its personnel with meaningful professional development and ensuring that the investigation and prosecution of criminal matters are conducted competently, fairly and in accordance with the law.
