Minister Benjamin Signals Budget Support for New Police Academy

Minister of Public Safety Sir Steadroy Benjamin has signaled government support for the construction of a new police academy, responding directly to an appeal from the commandant of the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy for a modern training facility.

Speaking moments after Superintendent Rodney Ellis urged the government to invest in a purpose-built academy, Benjamin said the request would be considered during this year’s budget discussions.

“Commandant, your words didn’t fall on deaf ears,” Benjamin said. “As you spoke, I whispered to my private secretary, and she said to me, ‘Minister, we’ve got to make sure that when we have our discussions this year for the budget, provisions remain for the construction of a police complex on this very road.'” He added, “My brother, you have foreseen the future.”

The minister’s remarks came after Ellis appealed to the government to construct a modern, fully equipped police academy capable of providing continuous professional development for officers throughout their careers.

Ellis argued that while Antigua and Barbuda has invested in healthcare, education and new police stations, law enforcement training facilities have not kept pace with the evolving demands of modern policing. He said criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making continued investment in training essential.

He proposed that a new academy include facilities to support specialized instruction in leadership development, legal studies, forensic science, cybercrime investigations and intelligence-led policing through partnerships with institutions such as the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. “Investment in training is an investment in national security,” Ellis said.

Benjamin, who began his own career with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, said he felt a close connection to the organization.

“Whenever I address this body, there’s a sense of oneness with me because those of you who know me would know that I started my career at the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.

The minister noted that this year’s ceremony marked the 50th graduating class of the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy and congratulated the graduates on reaching the milestone.

His comments suggest the government could move forward with plans for a new police training complex as part of its upcoming budget priorities, although no timeline or funding allocation was announced.

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