It was as a result of a recruitment drive in St. Vincent that George  applied for and was accepted into the Bermuda Police Service, where he was appointed as police constable on 7^th June 1973, and attended Basic Training Course No 16 held from June – August 1973.

George’s first posting after graduating from Training School was to Central Division (Hamilton), and some 12 months later he transferred to Western Division (Somerset) for 18 minths before  being appointed as an Aide in Western CID.  George subsequently spent most of his police career in CID and Narcotics, rising through the ranks to become Commissioner of Police in 2005 until his retirement in December 2009, at which time he was succeeded by COP Michael DeSilva. 

Sadly, George passed away on Thursday 1st January 2026, here in Bermuda,  having suffered health problems for some time.  It was a sign of his outstanding contribution to Bermuda that the  Seventh Day Adventist Church in Hamulton, was packed to capacity with dignatories included H.E, The Governor  …….. and representatives from numerous Government Departments.

George's career and his tremendous contrinution to the wellbeing of Bermuda  and his outstanding service to the Bermuda Police service was eloquently expressed in a Tribute to him given by Commissioner Darrin Simons who spoke as follows:-

Tribute to George Jackson

With sadness, on Thursday, the 1st of January 2026, the Bermuda Police Service learned that Retired Commissioner of Police Mr. George Jackson had passed away here in Bermuda.Today, we gather with heavy hearts, but also with deep gratitude, to honour the life and legacy of Commissioner George Jackson -- a man whose presence, leadership, and contribution to policing in Bermuda were truly memorable.

Lets look back.  In June 1973, just one month shy of his 21st birthday, Mr. Jackson joined the Bermuda Police Service, hailing from the island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  From the very beginning, it was clear that Bermuda had not only gained a police officer -  but a future leader.  He trained hard, served with purpose, and progressed steadily -  first in Central Division, then Western Division, where early assessments spoke of his initiative and reliability. One senior officer noted in 1976 that Mr. Jackson was already demonstrating the qualities that set him apart.

In hindsight, those words were clearly prophetic.  Mr. Jackson would go on to spend the majority of his distinguished career in Criminal Investigations and Narcotics, where his reputation for solid investigations, discipline, and uncompromising standards was firmly established.  He was promoted to sergeant in December 1984, marking the transition from constable to a leader of men and women.

As a Detective Sergeant and later Inspector, his supervisors described him as confident, efficient, and meticulous - ensuring not only that investigations were conducted properly, but that everyone around him rose to meet the same high standard.  One supervisor wrote: "Perfection remains his motto."  Another observed: "Sounds like the making of a future Commissioner of Police."  And they were right.  His career trajectory reflected both investigative acumen and courage.

George pursued continuous professional development -  attending the Canadian Police College, the DEA in New Jersey, and the prestigious Strategic Command Course at Bramshill Police College in the UK.  At Bramshill, one assessor began their feedback with the word "EXCELLENT" in capital letters, describing Mr. Jackson’s work as "a tour de force - beautifully clear, uncompromising, and grounded in a deep professional understanding of policing in Bermuda.”  He was praised for real strength -  for his willingness to make difficult decisions, and to prioritise long-term outcomes over short-term comfort.

That was George Jackson. In December 2000, he was promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Police, and served under Commissioner Jonathan Smith, who writes that, “He was a loyal Deputy to me for five years - I will not forget the support he tendered in furtherance of the BPS.  A colleague and a friend now gone. Mr Smith sends his condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Mr. Jackson. Mr. Smith is overseas dealing with an urgent family health matter and deeply regrets not being here today.

On the 15th of December 2005--after 32 years of dedicated service, Mr. Jackson became Commissioner of Police, a role he held until his retirement in 2009.Mr. Jackson made history as the first--and to this day, the only Commissioner of Police from the West Indies.  That achievement carried profound meaning - not just for the Service, and Bermuda, but for the Caribbean diaspora, and every officer who believed that excellence, discipline, and integrity would help you rise to the top.

The Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police also extends their condolences to Family and Friends of Mr Jackson as they recall he actively served between 2007 and 2009 on the executive committee as Secretary/Treasurer.  Those who served with Mr. Jackson will never forget his imposing presence and physical stature -  a giant of a man in every sense. On search warrants, they said he carried the master key - a size 14 boot, with the brawn to back it up!  

When he dressed you down he was sometimes ought to share unforgettable metaphors or analogies to make his point. A legendary one having something to do with circumnavigation and a unique type of compass. If you know you know!   But behind that booming voice and commanding presence, was a very kind-natured soul, who cared deeply about people, the Bermuda Police Service and Bermuda itself.

Outside of policing, George was fiercely proud to represent the Bermuda Police Service in softball, darts, and cricket. In 1973-1974, he was deservedly named BPS Athlete of the Year -  a testament to his discipline, strength, and competitive spirit.

George Jackson helped shape modern policing in Bermuda. He was a senior leader when we made great strides in professionalising investigations, introducing DNA to policing, and he was the commissioner who introduced a highly trained 24 hour Armed Response capability to general patrol duties.

He demanded excellence, embodied leadership, and left this Service stronger than he found it.

To his family I say thank-you. It goes without saying that a lifetime of police service takes its toll on the family. There would have been long nights, missed dinners, holidays and other family celebrations and not to mention the stress that senior leadership brings. For those sacrifices I say, Thank you.

In closing, on behalf of the women and men of the Bermuda Police Service - past and present - we extend our deepest condolences to Sharon his wife, to their children, to the wider Jackson family, and his many friends. Commissioner George Leopold Jackson  -  Gone but not forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace.

Thank you

Darrin Simons
Commissioner of Police

www.BermudaPolice.bm<http://www.bermudapolice.bm/>  'Making Bermuda Safer'

Royal Gazette article – George Jackson honoured   https://www.royalgazette.com/event/news/article/20260115/george-jackson-honoured/

We’ve reported previously on a group of our colleagues who keep in touch from time to time to either commiserate or congratulate ourselves on the form of our respective football teams. Our group includes Bob Kinnon who probably has biggest boasting rights just now with his Leeds team having gained promotion to the Premiership this season and just holding their heads above the bottom 3 teams who are destined to go down at the end of the season. 

John Headey with grandson Wylie when he was a Huddersfield Town fan!

John Headey is a lifelong fan of Huddersfield Town and was disappointed when they dropped down a Division into League 1, but he’s perked up with Huddersfield’s recent performances keeping them in 5th place with perhaps an outside chance of gaining promotion back to the Championship next season.

Three of our group, Iain Morrison, “Coco” Eve, and myself, Roger Sherratt,  are loyal fans of Stoke City who started off their season in the Championship going great guns but are now in 8th place although the Potters have won their last two games. Never quite sure if it’s good  for our mental health if they manage to get back into the Premiership only to bounce back down the following season!  

During recent email exchanges we discovered that both ‘Coco’ and myself happened to be in the same place at exactly the same time on a magic day in February 20th 1954  when we we just 12 years old.  We travelled to Vale Park in Bursem with our dads to watching our other Poytters team, Port Vale (in the 3rd Division North) took on the then 1953 F.A. Cup Final Winners in the unforgettable”Matthews Final”. Vale Park was packed to capacity, with most of the spectators, me and my dad incuded being there not only to see Port Vale, but to see our own Potters born legend, Stanley Matthews, probably the biggest name in football at that time, playing for Blackpool in what was expected to be a cakewalk for the First Divisin side.  But on a cold day and a soaking wet slippery pitch a miracle happened and Port Vale strolled away with the game 2-0.  That indelible memory came to mind last week when another Midland team, Macclesfield Town, pulled off what must surely the biggest surprise in FA Cup history when they defeated last season FA Cup Finsl Winners, Cystal Palace, in the FA Cup 3rd round. What a shocker!

CLICK HERE to watch a short video of the day history was made in 1954 at Vale Park.  Playing football in those conditions was a far cry from today’s perfect pitches.

Our group has recently been joined by David Inwood , a lifelong Oxford United fan now living Down Under, and all credit to Dave who still supports his team even though they are struggling in 2nd from bottom pace in the Championship and are going to have to pull their bootstaps up  up to avoid joining Huddersfield Town  at the end of the seasnon.   CLICK HERE to read all about Dave on our “Then and Now” column, and he’s also mentioned in our latest “Keeping in Touch” post.