TCI Police Inspector Tops Regional Command Course in Jamaica
Inspector Huntley Forbes Jr. of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has earned the highest academic marks in a regional command course hosted by the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Forbes, who heads the Community Policing Unit, also received the award for best presentation during the 92nd Staff and Junior Command Course. The programme included police officers from Jamaica, Saint Lucia, the Turks and Caicos Islands and other Caribbean jurisdictions.
“I think it’s the first time someone from the Turks and Caicos Islands has obtained the highest academic marks on the course,” Forbes said. “To represent the TCI in such a manner gives me great pride.”
The intensive three-month programme was delivered through a combination of online and in-person instruction in Jamaica. It covered management, police operations, command responsibilities, leadership and the emotional challenges associated with supervising personnel.
Forbes described it as one of the most difficult courses he has completed during his policing career.
“The online segment was very difficult because the course was demanding academically,” he said. “We had essays, numerous presentations and group work. It taught you how to learn in an environment that was unfamiliar.”
Despite the demanding workload, Forbes said the training substantially strengthened his leadership abilities and prepared him to serve the Police Force more effectively.
“My knowledge capacity has gone to a totally different level,” he said. “I am in a much better place and more equipped to lead with excellence for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.”
As part of the programme, Forbes participated in a community-based practicum and worked alongside units of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, including its Community Safety and Security Branch. That experience exposed him to new crime-prevention methods, community programmes and policing strategies.
Forbes said he intends to apply what he learned to the work of the Community Policing Unit, with the support of Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey.
“My thoughts have been broadened,” he said. “I’ve been made aware of new methods, new strategies and new programmes. It is my intention to help implement and drive some of those initiatives in our communities here in the TCI.”
He also encouraged other members of the Police Force to pursue the course, particularly officers seeking to rise through the ranks.
“This is a major step in your policing career,” Forbes said. “It gives you the tools you need. It is a necessity for officers coming up through the ranks to attend junior command training.”
Forbes said he hopes the achievement establishes a standard that future TCI participants will surpass.
“A standard has been set,” he said. “Go out and represent your country, and represent your country well. It is my prayer that the next group will do even better than I have done.”
He added that the experience changes not only how officers lead, but also how they interact with colleagues, members of the public and themselves.
Reflecting on the wider significance of his achievement, Forbes encouraged young people across the Turks and Caicos Islands to reject limitations and pursue excellence through discipline, faith and positive choices.
“There is nothing stopping you from reaching the top mark,” he said. “Once you align yourself with good, with God and with positivity, and you push yourself, there is no limit.”
Forbes said he never imagined earlier in life that he would achieve such recognition, but credited his progress to a decision to contribute positively to his family, community and country.
“The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force will not be forgotten in the 92nd cohort, and neither will the TCI,” he said. “They will remember that someone from the Turks and Caicos Islands participated at a high standard and represented his country.”
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