More than 100 police officers — and possibly as many as 700 — who were deployed during the February 11 general election have gone nearly a month without receiving payment for their duties, while civilian workers who performed similar roles have already been paid, prompting the Barbados Police Association to warn of growing frustration within the ranks.
Official figures show that 273 947 people were eligible to vote, but only 115 619 ballots were cast, meaning 57.8 per cent of the electorate did not participate.
Despite the relatively low turnout, police maintained a strong presence at polling stations across the island to ensure order and compliance with electoral procedures.
Their duties included managing voter lines, securing ballot boxes, facilitating the transport of election materials, and maintaining security at counting centres and post-election gatherings, particularly the mass victory celebration at Grantley Adams House, the BLP headquarters in Roebuck Street, The City.
Concerns intensified after some officers made enquiries and discovered that civilian workers who also performed duties at polling stations had already received their payments, a development that has fuelled dissatisfaction within the ranks.
President of the Barbados Police Association, Inspector Wendley Carter, said the issue affects a wide cross-section of the service, from constables to senior ranks.
Outlining the nature of the complaints received, Inspector Carter said: “We have received complaints from police officers who worked during the elections and have not yet been paid. Our understanding is that some civilian workers have already received their payments, which has caused concern among officers.”
“Based on the information available, this affects a significant number of personnel, including constables, sergeants and inspectors. We are looking at well over 100 officers, and possibly more than 700 across the wider operation.”
He said the demands placed on officers during the election period were significant, with many required to work extended and irregular hours.
“I cannot confirm the exact figures or rates at this stage, as payments vary depending on normal earnings. However, officers worked long hours. Some reported starting as early as 3 a.m. and finishing as late as 4 p.m. the following day.”
Inspector Carter explained that election duties extended well beyond standard shifts, reflecting the intensity of national polling operations.
“Elections involve extended duties, including security checks, polling operations and post-election activities. In some cases, officers worked shifts exceeding 12 hours.”
Turning to the impact of the delayed payments, he said the situation has caused growing dissatisfaction within the ranks.
“The delay has caused frustration, particularly as officers are aware that others who worked during the elections have already been paid. Barbados is a small society, and people talk, so naturally there is concern about the disparity.”
He also raised concerns about the length of time officers have been waiting and the recurrence of similar issues.
“This is not the first time there have been issues with timely payments. It has been about a month since the work was completed, and officers are still waiting.”
Several efforts to obtain a statement from The Barbados Police Service were unsuccessful.
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