The Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) received a donation of masks and face shields from the Caribbean Law Enforcement Foundation (CLEF) to protect officers on the frontline against COVID-19.
Caribbean Training Liaison of the Foundation, Kevin Bentham; Travel and Special Projects Coordinator, Francesca Deane; and Caribbean Liaison, Angelus Watson, made the presentation to Commissioner of Police, Tyrone Griffith, and other members of the Senior Command Team of the RBPF at Police Headquarters on Monday.
Speaking during the presentation, Mr. Bentham said the Foundation purchased 400 reusable face shields and 12,000 disposable masks for close to 400 police officers in the RBPF, which cost US$14,000.
In addition, Mr. Bentham outlined that one of CLEF’s board members paid the US$6,000 expedited shipping costs, and purchased an additional 2,000 masks for the Force, bringing the total number of masks available to the RBPF to 14,000.
“These face shields and masks will go a long way in ensuring the safety of officers as they continue to ensure the safety of all Barbadians during this period,” he said.
Mr. Bentham added that such a donation was critical to giving lawmen peace of mind during the execution of their duties.
Meanwhile, Ms. Deane said the Foundation was successful in its bid to acquire the equipment at a time when countries worldwide were competing against each other to source the same equipment. “A lot of work went into getting these items to Barbados,” she said.
She added that CLEF’s President and Chief Executive Officer, David Watson, was pleased to donate the items to the Force, stressing that they were just as important at this time as other protective equipment, such as bullet proof vests.
Commissioner Griffith thanked the Foundation for its “outstanding” contribution, noting that it was vital to its operations during these times, and the donation was appreciated.
“I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to the Caribbean Law Enforcement Foundation for its donation. I am sure the equipment will be used by officers as they continue to ensure the safety of members of the public during these challenging times,” the Commissioner said.
The Caribbean Law Enforcement Foundation was established to enhance Caribbean public safety agencies by providing funding and equipment for training and technological infrastructure.
The Foundation provides funds to bring Caribbean public safety personnel to the United States for advanced training and sends trainers and equipment to the Caribbean to conduct general and advanced training.
The main beneficiaries of the Caribbean Law Enforcement Foundation are the Regional Security System and the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police.