A Vincentian recruit has topped her class at the Regional Police Training Centre, taking the bulk of the top awards after completing months of demanding training as she prepares to join the ranks of the Barbados Police Service.
Newly minted Police Constable Arika Parsons has emerged as the standout performer of Recruit Course 150, sweeping the majority of the awards. Originally from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, PC 2574 Parsons relocated to Barbados at her mother’s encouragement, working as a cashier and customer service representative before pursuing her ambition to join the police service.
“I did want to join the force before, but I thought it was too early,” Parsons explained. “So I just waited a while to get to know Barbados more. I am very passionate about providing a service, and I am looking forward to serving the people of Barbados with professionalism, fairness, and integrity.”
Newly minted Police Constable Arika Parsons seen here all smiles she and her batch make their way to the designated area to lodge their arms. (Photo Credit: Ricardo Roberts/Barbados TODAY)
The training programme presented immediate physical and mental challenges for the young recruit, whose resolve was tested daily at the centre next to the airport.
“The next day we started physical training, and that is when I realised that I need to step my game up,” PC Parsons recalled. “I was never really into extreme physical training, but I decided that I need to get myself there, and from then on, I just committed myself to learning, paying attention, and staying focused.”
In addition to the intensive physical regimen, the course pushed Parsons to confront and overcome a lifelong personal fear.
“The most interesting part for me was learning to swim,” she shared. “Growing up, I have always been afraid of swimming, and I am very grateful that I got the opportunity to learn to swim here. I can definitely say that I can float and I can swim now.”
At times, the pressure of the academy nearly proved overwhelming, and Parsons admitted she considered returning home.
“There were moments, at least two, where I wanted to give up,” she confessed. “But with God by my side, with the instructors here at the Regional Police Training Centre, and with the recruits—where there are some friends here that I have—they pushed me. They encouraged me to stay and to keep on pushing, to not give up, and so I continued. I am actually happy that I did.”
While PC Parsons expected to receive the Best in Police Duty award for her exam performance, she said she was surprised by the number of awards she received.
“I honestly saw myself receiving at least one award, which was Best of Police Duty, because in the exams, I noticed that the grades that I got were at the top,” she said. “But when I was told that I would be receiving all those other awards, I was truly happy and I am blessed.”
Watching from the audience was her mother, Aletha Parsons, who travelled from Saint Vincent to witness her daughter’s achievement and credited her foundation at Saint Joseph’s Convent in Marriaqua for her work ethic.
Police Constable Arika Parsons (center) with proud mum Aletha Parsons and brother Alrick Parsons at the police passing out parade at the Regional Police Training Facility at Sewell Christchurch. (Photo Credit: Ricardo Roberts/Barbados TODAY)
“I feel so happy and I am very proud of her,” the elder Parsons said. “She is an intelligent, loving, caring, and disciplined person. Her school moulded her to be a good, respectable person, so that when you complete your education and go out into the community, you continue that trend.”
As PC Parsons prepares to leave the training facility on Friday, she declared her focus on delivering high-quality service to her adopted home:
“I am looking forward to giving my best and to learning and to improving myself so that I can provide a service to the people of Barbados. I will bring forward my discipline and everything that I have learnt, and this will help me to always do my best.”
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