Minister of Public Safety Sir Steadroy Benjamin has signaled strong government support for the construction of a new police academy, responding directly to a public appeal from the commandant of the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy for a modern training facility.
According to Antigua News Room, Benjamin made his remarks moments after Superintendent Rodney Ellis urged the government to invest in a purpose-built academy, confirming the request would be taken up 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."
Ellis had appealed to the government to construct a modern, fully equipped police academy capable of providing continuous professional development for officers throughout their careers. He 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. Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, Ellis warned, making sustained investment in training essential.
He proposed that a new academy include facilities supporting specialized instruction in leadership development, legal studies, forensic science, cybercrime investigations and intelligence-led policing. Ellis also called for partnerships with institutions such as the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. "Investment in training is an investment in national security," he said.
Benjamin, who began his own career with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, said he feels a deep personal connection to the organisation. "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 also noted that this year's ceremony marked the 50th graduating class of the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy, congratulating graduates on the historic milestone.
While Benjamin's comments indicate the government may move forward with plans for a new police training complex as part of its upcoming budget priorities, no timeline or specific funding allocation was announced.
