By: Precious Mills
BASSETERRRE, St.Kitts (Tuesday 16th January, 2018)– Retired Police Commissioner 70-year-old Robert W. Jeffers is dead.
That was the breaking news that rocked the Federation on Sunday this week (14th January), leaving an outpour of grief from many who respected him for the level of professionalism and expertise he exhibited, particularly as an investigator and fingerprint specialist, during his tenure a top cop in the Federation of St.Kitts and Nevis for over four decades.
This media house understands that Jeffers passed away from natural causes due to an illness.
Yesterday (Monday), Police Commissioner Ian Queeley issued a statement mourning the death of his past senior colleague whilst praising the contributions he would have made for over the years, and even on a personal level with regard to his own career advancement in the policing field.
“It is with deep regret that we have learned of the passing of retired Commissioner of Police, Robert W. Jeffers. Mr. Jeffers would have served as a Police Officer in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force for almost forty-two (42) years. In essence, this meant that he dedicated most of his adult life to “Serving and Protecting” the people of our beautiful Federation. He had superb investigative skills and was a fingerprint specialist. So naturally, this accounted for the length of time he spent in the Criminal Investigations Department. He moved up the ranks and eventually reached the pinnacle when he secured the post of Commissioner during the period 2005 – 2008,” Queeley stated.
The COP described Jeffers as one who was knowledgeable
Robert Jeffers was a very candid man. He spoke his mind and told you what there was to tell you in the best of ways. But, more importantly, what he said to you was geared towards your development in the organisation. Mr. Jeffers was also a very gifted Police Officer. He was very knowledgeable and, in particular, he was literally considered as the “guru” in the area of Evidence and Procedure. He understood, in-depth, the regulations and the laws.
He added: “Even after he retired, Mr. Jeffers continued to contribute to the police force and showed his support by attending events where possible. He gave back much to the force. He was a visiting lecturer; he taught recruits at the Police Training Complex in the areas of Evidence and Procedure and assisted officers with preparation for their Promotion Exams. He also submitted questions for those exams and, as recently as last year, he assisted with the marking of exam papers. He never stopped serving and contributing to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and he would have done well with regards to devoting his time and his skills to the organisation. For that, I want to thank him for his service to the force, and to the country.”
Queeley also expressed gratitude for the role Jeffers played in his professional life.
“On a personal note, I can say that it is because of his advice that I am where I am today and I thank him immensely. I know that he was very proud of my achievements in the organization because he said it to me several times.”
“On behalf of the High Command, I extend condolences to the family and friends of the late Robert W. Jeffers. He will be missed sadly. May his soul rest in eternal peace!” he concluded.