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Latest Interesting Article

Interesting Articles

 

 

 

This section features interesting articles written by former colleagues on a wide range of subjects related to the Bermuda Police Service or recounting personal experiences.   We are delighted to receive articles from anyone who wishes to put pen to paper, and will assist with editing where necessary.

 

 

Admiralty House - 1960's Paradise!

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Interesting Articles

 

Admiralty House in the early 1960's
 

When I arrived in Bermuda on 29th May 1964, Admiralty House was no longer being used by the Police to house single men but we still had access to the entire grounds, the beach and the dock. Having arrived at the airport after dark I had seen nothing of the Island until the next morning which happened to be overcast and cloudy with no sign of sun. Our small group of Frank Thompson, John Charlewood and myself were dropped off at Admiralty House in a kombie to relax and swim, and it was as though we had died and gone to heaven! There must have been at least a dozen bikini clad young ladies, all nurses, stretching out along the dock, and the water was so warm and inviting.

It all seemed like a perfect introduction to Bermuda as we sat on the dock for hours chatting to the nurses. What a shock I had though after returning to Henderson Block at Prospect and taking a shower, only to make the agonizing discovery that I was suffering from the worst sunburn across my shoulders that I will ever have!

Even after that painful experience I was one of dozens of young policemen who spent many happy hours enjoying the company and the ambiance of Admiralty House, and at that time most of us would slather ourselves in Johnson's baby oil with a touch of iodine in the false belief we could quickly build up a tan - with no side effects!

"Irresistible!"
Mike "Cool Cat" Caulkett and Roger Sherratt
 
The beach area and dock were hives of activity during summer months.  Married policemen would bring their wives and children down to the beautifully sheltered beach;  there was an active snipe sailing club, and when they weren't sailing they were "messing about" with their boats.
 
 
Bermuda ex Police Association
Sitting on the dock at Admiralty House - probably early 1960's
Guys on the left appear to be John Bailey, Colin Finnigan and John Edwards
 
 
With both policemen and nurses working shifts there was always someone sun bathing or swimming off the dock, and it wasn't long before we were introduced to the "bottle party" scene which took place at weekends in and around a cave on the property overlooking the North Shore (and up at the PRC and homes around the Island).  Guys had to bring a bottle, or a pack of beers, and the ladies just had to turn up.  Can this be real? The ultimate "bottle parties" though were held at the home of Sheila Gosling at Shelly Bay where all of the hard liquor (rum, whisky, vodka, gin) was poured into Sheila's washing machine to create potent mix!
 
Admiralty House had been used as the official residence and offices for the senior officer of the Royal Navy in Bermuda until 1956, and shorty afterwards several constables were initially housed there as caretakers, but as the Police Force was expanding in the late 1950's and early 1960's it began to be used as an extra police barracks.
 
By the time I arrived in 1964,  it was no longer used as barracks due mainly to its rather dilapidated condition, but we did hear some legendary tales of the exploits of those young single guys who had been billeted there, but surely, most of what we heard couldn't possibly be true!
 
 Young P.C. Mike Johnson
 
 
It wasn't until we heard from former P.C. Mike Johnson in 2018 that I began to piece together some of the stories about the time when Admiralty House was being used as police barracks.  Mike wrote to us from his home in Hawaii. He arrived here as young constable in January 1961 and he described how, “My first billet was in a magnificent, enormous room on the upper floor of Admiralty House, Spanish Point; floor to ceiling windows and a great view. A winding path led down to our private beach, where Dave and Derek Jenkinson built the first police boat, the Blue Heron."
 
Bermuda ex Police Association
 Dave Garland and Derek Jenkinson
boat builders extraordinnaire
 
 
As stated by Mike Johnson, Dave Garland and and Derek Jenkinson embarked on a project to build a police boat in April 1962, and it was completed and ready for launching on 4th June the same year. The official launching took place at Admiralty House boat slip, with Commissioner Robins’ wife, Lou, breaking the traditional bottle of champagne across her bow as she named the Bermuda Police Force’s first ever boat “BLUE HERON”.
 
CLICK HERE to view our article on "Bermuda's First Police Boat - A  Do It Yourself Project!"
 
 Blue Heron is completed and tied up at the Admiralty House dock
 

Mike went on to describe conditions at Admiralty House. "The old house was falling down even then, and we were soon re-housed in the renovated building downhill from the main house. It had 10 or 12 rooms, communal showers, a big refrigerator in the hall, and a Maytag wringer washer which we could use to do our laundry, should we so wish.

Laundry dried outside on clotheslines, and I became skilled in stretching bedsheets tightly so no ironing was required after drying. I understand this building, which I believe was called Cypher Block, later became the Bermuda HQ of the British Sub Aqua Club after police personnel were relocated to Prospect. "

CLICK HERE to view Mike's article in our "Then and Now" column. 

Mike enquired if anyone knew what happened to Adrian Brindle (served from 1961-1966), Ray Hackett (served from May 1961-August 1964) and Maurice Winston Thorne (served from May 1961- May 1964), after they left Bermuda, but we have no information about any of them after then.

P.C. Adrian Brindle

P.C. Ray Hackett 
 
P.C. Maurice Winston Thorne 
 

Editors note - According to brief records in the Police Register at Prospect, Adrian Brindle returned to Wiltshire, and Ray Hackett returned to London.

Mike was also interested in a guy believed to be named Lew Dunkley who Mike says wore regular Bermuda Police uniform, ate at the Mess, stayed at Cypher Block, and to all appearances was one of the lads who would drink at the Police Club, but as Mike remembers it, Lew said he was “seconded” to Bermuda from the Met. Mike saw him once after he left Bermuda when he appeared on a TV broadcast with Princess Margaret at a refugee camp and was clearly identifiable as the same Lew Dunkley who spent a short time here although his name was not mentioned in the video.

Strangely, there is absolutely no record at all of a Lew Dunkley ever having served in the Bermuda Police, and I wondered if anyone might recall him and perhaps know what he did while here. I gather that Mike has also made an enquiry at the Met but had not received a reply.

I decided to make some enquiries about the guys who were in the Police Force at the time Mike was here and asked them for their recollections of singlemen’s quarters at Admiralty House. I received the following responses:-

 

P.C. Dave Gillery 

 

Dave Gillery  -   Dave recalls, "I came out to Bermuda on a BOAC Britannia via Gander in  October 1959 together with John (“Extra”) Brennan and Frank Thompson. John was a really nice chap, partial to a drop of scotch which led him into trouble with our Hamilton watch sergeant, John Cribbin!

I was posted to Central Division, Hamilton, and I was only in the barracks at Prospect a couple of weeks before being offered the alternative of moving to Admiralty House which I accepted as did Frank Thompson.

Admiralty House, as most us who ever stayed there will recollect, was a superb location above Admiralty Cove with a jetty and statue of Neptune.

Neptune stands guard over the nurses!

 

The beach on the other side of the cove was great for picnics, and the swimming and snorkelling was brilliant (apart from the moray eels living in the rocks).

The Signal block or Cypher block was on the right hand side of the drive to the house but I think it was being renovated when I arrived.

To the best of my recollection Admiralty House was populated at that time by the following:-  Downstairs  -  Bob Woolley - Hamilton Central, Bill Freeman - CID, Ian “Crash” Kane - CID, Ian Morrison - CID.   Upstairs  were Jack Shaughnessy - Traffic, and  Mike Kelly - CID.

I moved into the room down the corridor from Jack, and Frank moved into a room on the left up a further flight of stairs. Harvey Fothergill, Keith Lovell and Fred Beard, who also arrived in October, became occupants of the Cypher Quarters. They were followed by Bob Stewart who moved in next to Mike Kelly and George Hammond who moved in next to Frank Thompson. 

A highlight for any visitor to Admiralty House was a quick visit to Mike Kelly's famous chest of drawers. The drawers in this fine antique piece of furniture contained an enormous array of ladies lingerie to rival Victoria’s Secret. This fine collection was acquired by Mike (as gifts) from various ladies who arrived on the island on cruise ships, during college weeks or hotel visits.

Dave and Margaret at Forty Thieves with Mike Kelly & (first wife) Mary  

George Hammond joined the Bermuda Police Pipe band which was formed about 1960. This resulted in the atrocious sound of George practicing on his bagpipes at all hours of the day and night  - an Englishman’s worst nightmare! I seem to remember that Bill Pratt and John Allen also spent some time there at this early period. Bob Woolley and Bill Freeman both resigned in early 1960. Bill went back to England and Bob Woolley went to New York where I understand he joined the NYPD.   

“Cynical” Syd Gregory moved into Woolley’s room and I think Bill Elliot may have replaced Bill Freeman. Bob Irons and Bill Elliott were great drinking buddies and together with Joe Colton spent a lot of time at every place on the island which served rum! However, I don’t think Bob Irons actually lived permanently at Admiralty House during my time there. "Pip" Carter may have lived there but I seem to recall he was married. Jack Shaughnessy got married and Colin Finnegan moved in there for a while prior to co-habiting with Alistair “Shakey” Johnson.

I think the residency list at Admiralty House stayed fairly constant during the early 1960's subject to a few changes due to resignations and marriages. The arrival of Scottish officers like Andy Heggie and Andy Dryburgh, required the local “Diddleybops” to learn a second language other than English, while Jim Lyons, Ken Norman, George Garrod, Ron Mullan and Alan Wyatt lifted the quality of the soccer team, but I don’t recall any residing at Admiralty House. 

CLICK HERE to read Dave's excellent article in our "Then and Now" column. 

 

P.C. Robert "Bob" Stewart
 
 
Robert "Bob" Stewart   -   My first year was on the beat in Hamilton working 8 hour shifts, 6 days per week, rotating between days, evenings and nights. It was good fun although working nights in a very quiet Hamilton was not too exciting.  I lived at Admiralty House near Spanish Point.  The people I recall at Admiralty House were: Mike Kelly, George Hammond, Jack Shaughnessy, Bill Pratt, and Dave Gillery. I don't recall Bob Irons or Ian (Crash) Kane being there. I worked with "Crash" at CRO for about 18 months. There was also someone from Traffic who for years manned the radio at traffic. I can't remember his name right now but would be known by George or anyone in traffic in the early 1960s. We had to move out in 1963 when the Bermuda Regiment took over Admiralty House grounds.  
 

The things I remember clearly are:

  1. Lots of space and great views of the North Shore. I had a room that looked right along the shore, and the other side was a view across Spanish Point and a little bit of the harbor;
  2. The ballroom which always impressed first-time girlfriends from the States who were convinced that those who lived there were millionaires
  3. The tennis court which was used a lot by the police and others - including the Colonial Secretary, John Sykes. who often called me up for a game
  4. The gigantic washing machine which I used when I could not get anyone to do my laundry;
  5. The gardener who woke us up when we were on days. I don't recall his name but he was a delightful person who kept the grounds in great shape;
  6. The 2 beaches which were like private swimming pools
  7. The endless parties - usually after midnight;
  8. “Shakey” Johnson and George Hammond fighting on the ballroom floor after we came off evening shift;
  9. A reduced mess bill because we missed many meals because of the distance we had to travel to the mess at Prospect.
  10. The anger when John Patton as Minister of Public Works who, somewhere around 1975, had the whole house demolished.

It was a great place to live for young and single policemen and I always have happy memories when I pass it on the way to Spanish Point.

On Lew Dunkerley I recall him vaguely but he was never a friend or on my watch. Ray Hackett became a lawyer and returned to the UK around 1964.

CLICK HERE to read more about Bob Stewart in our "Then and Now" column.

 

Jeff Payne (taken when he was a Sergeant)
 

JEFF PAYNE - I think Maurice Thorne went back to the Gloucester Police. and Adrian Brindle also went back to the UK. He was good mates with P.C. Robert (“Bob”) Bates (Served from Jan 1961-March 1963) and Carol Royer who worked in Traffic at that time. He came back a few times on visits.

P.C. Robert "Bob" Bates
                                   
 P.C. Roger Colin Vincent
 

NICK HALL - I remember them but have no information on them. Always ask after Somerset’s Colin Vincent* who used to attend my USC machine gun shoots at what is now Dockyard’s prime beach.


PS I once met Ian Davies at Farnborough Air Show in 1970s,

• Editors note - According to the Police Register P.C. Roger Colin Vincent served here from February 1962 - December 1963 and was stationed in Western Division.

 

P.C. George Hammond
 

George Hammond - I remember the person you are mentioning although I believe the surname is spelled “Dunkerley” or “Dunkerly”and his first name was spelled “Lewerley”. He came out here from the Met with Gerry Stiles in the early sixties. I’m not sure if the spelling is correct but I remember him well.

P.C. Gerald "Gerry" Stiles
 

• Editors note - Although there is no record of a “Lew Dunkley” in the official police registers, I checked in the Winter 1961 edition of the Police Magazine, and discovered his name recorded under “Attestations” as Constable L.S. Dunkerley who joined on 3rd January 1961.

 

Mike Cherry - Although I joined the BPS in 1959 I do not recall any of the names mentioned. I did not have the fortune of being billeted at Admiralty House, as I was one of the first to take up residence at Prospect in July 1959 in one of the recently renovated rooms in the two-story block opposite HQ.

We did spend a lot of time at Admiralty House though due to the beach and boating and it was a regular venue for parties.

I moved out of Prospect in late 1961 after getting married, and also was transferred to Traffic, so did not get to know the guys on the beat too well.

Some of the guys that I recall staying at Admiralty House were Ian Kane, Bob Irons, Jack Shaughnessy, ‘Pip’ Carter, Dave Gillery, and I will think of others.
Best regards
Mike

Editors note - Mike wrote a lovely article for out Then and Now column. CLICK HERE to view it.

 

P.C. Terry Bawden
 
 

Terry Bawden - I landed at Bermuda sometime in February 1962 and it was night-time when I landed. I was met by a Sergeant and taken directly to Admiralty House. I was only there for couple of weeks before being posted to St George’s barracks, so I don’t have too much knowledge of the place.

At that time the police inmates seem to have been on the first floor and the Bermuda Rifles were using the ground floor although I don’t really know what their function was there. On the first morning there I awoke, and it was of course the first view I had of Bermuda in daylight, and having left England in winter where all was drab and grey, I think it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen, with all the houses in pastel shades and white roofs.

To me the houses looked a bit like child’s dolls houses, but I soon got used to seeing them everywhere. Within a few days I became very homesick, it being the first time I had ever left my family or even England, but once I was moved to St Georges’ and had a close circle of colleagues around me, I soon grew out of that and settled down to happy days. That’s all I can really say about Admiralty House.

 

We also have an excellent article about Peter “Pip” Carter in our Hall of Fame column (CLICK HERE to view it) which was kindly written by his wife Diane “Dee” Carter. GEOFF HUNT - Adrian Brindle was an usher at John Swift's wedding but I think John lost contact a long time ago. Ray Hackett took an external law degree and became a barrister. Maurice Thorne came from Gloucester - managed to save £3000 in his 3 year contract and left abruptly!


DAVE GARLAND - Adrian Brindle was a nice quiet fellow - he was not a police type. I remember him taking part in an athletics meet in 1962 when D.J. Williams challenged the Police to compete in a competition against the pick of Bermuda’s athletes. The meet was held at BAA Field.

                                                                                                   P.C. Dave Garland

The Police team was Adrian Brindle - 100yds, Jack Rouse - shot and javelin Dave Garland - long jump. Tony Harper 220 yards and 400 yards, Jeff Payne – one mile and 2 mile races.
 
                                                                    P.C. Jack Rouse                                                              

P.C.  Anthony "Tony" Harper

Results:-
Adrian Brindle - 2nd to John Morbey
Dave Garland - 2nd to John Morbey
• Please note that John Morbey was a brilliant athlete who won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and ran the 100 yards in 10 seconds.
Jack Rouse won both shot put and javelin
Tony Harper won both 220 yards and 400 yds
Jeff Payne won both 1 mile and 2 miles against David Saul in both his events

Police finished up easy winners of this athletic meet, and I believe it was another clear indication of the depth of talent we had then in the Police Force.

We never received another challenge but D.J. Williams then coached Tony Harper and Jeff Payne who qualified for the Olympic Games. To reach the required times to qualify for the Olympics l used to run with Tony Harper half laps when training. Because they set their times on grass they were allowed time off times set on laid tracks. Both Tony and Jeff were superb athletes.

Editors note - I have to fully agree with Dave Garland about the depth of talent we have had in the Bermuda Police in such a wide variety of sports and other activities. In fact we recently published an article on the History of the Police Drama Group which was very active during the mid-1960's.  CLICK HERE to view it.

 

Conclusion -    Without doubt,  we've had lots of young police officers who have spent many happy hours enjoying the facilities at Admiralty House whether they were billeted there, or they spent time swimming and sun bathing, messing around with  boats, and attending social functions.  Those were indeed the days!

If you have memories of time spent at Admiralty House or if you have any photos we would be delighted to hear from you.

Roger Sherratt
Editor
Updated May 2024

DCOP Paul Wright's retirement reception

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Interesting Articles

 

     Young Constable Paul Wright
 
   
                   DCOP Paul Wright                 
 

The main hall at the Police Recreation Club was packed to capacity on Friday evening 2nd November 2018, as distinguished guests, including H.E. The Governor John Rankin, Minister of National Security The Hon. Wayne Caines, The Shadow Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley, senior members of the Judiciary, H.M. Customs, along with other professional colleagues and members of all ranks of the BPS gathered to bid a fond farewell to Deputy Commissioner Paul Wright on his retirement from the Bermuda Police Service.

P.C. Paul Wright
 

Paul has almost 40 years of policing experience having joined the Humberside Police in England in  1979 and serving there for six years before joining the Bermuda Police Service in 1985. Paul arrived here on 7th March 1985 along with another 13 experienced police officers from the U.K. Also included in the group that day were two other young men, Gary Staines and Paul Towlson, who were in attendance at the reception.

Localization Course- September 1985
 

Paul has served in a wide variety of postings including Community Policing, Criminal Investigations, Special Branch, Intelligence and Serious Crime. In 2001 he assumed responsibility for Special Branch and the Government Security Office upon promotion to Inspector.

Paul was promoted to Chief Inspector in 2004 and served as the Crime Manager for the Service. Upon promotion to Superintendent in 2007 he commanded the Intelligence Division where he implemented a modernization strategy to direct and underpin Intelligence-led Policing. In 2009 he assumed command of the Serious & Organised Crime Division where he initiated a program to professionalize investigation processes. He was promoted to Assistant Commissioner later that same year and in 2010 took charge of Community Policing. Paul was appointed to the post of Deputy Commissioner by His Excellency the Governor on 12th May 2014. In June 2014, he was awarded the Overseas Territories Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

As Deputy Commissioner Paul has been responsible for the Departments of Human Resources, Technology Services, Occupational Health and Professional Conduct. He also served as the Service Discipline Officer, working closely with the Police Complaints Authority to maintain the standards of professional behavior and respond to any complaints made against police officers.

The 2015 Throne Speech announced the intention to replace the forty-year old Police (Discipline) Orders of 1975 with a modern performance and attendance management framework that would also provide a fair and effective process to deal with officer misconduct. Paul led that change, culminating in the passage of the Police Amendment Act 2016 and the introduction of the Police Conduct and Performance Orders that came into effect on 2nd December 2016.

Paul has been both a popular and outstanding police officer throughout his service. In addition to completing the International Strategic Leadership Program at the Bramshill Police Staff College in England, he is a certified member of the Bermuda Insurance Institute and also the recipient of a Master’s Degree (MSc) from the Scarman Centre at the University of Leicester, England. In 2008 he was admitted as a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and in 2012 he was designated by the Institute as a Chartered Manager.

There is no question that throughout his police career, Paul has always displayed the qualities expected and demanded of a leader. He has also been exceptionally fortunate to have enjoyed the full support and love of his wife, Angela. The happy couple were married back in June 1992 after meeting and falling in love here in Bermuda (see Commissioner Corbishley’s remarks regarding the early days of their relationship!). Paul and Angela’s son, Christopher, was in attendance at the reception but his sister, Stephanie, is currently working as a newly-qualified Staff Nurse in Sheffield, England.

Nicholas Pedro, Deborah Corbishley, COP Stephen Corbishley, and DPP Larry Mussenden
 
A packed audience gathers for speeches
 
ACOP Antoine Daniels, Jerome Laws and
 
Michael DeSilva with Gary and Jane Staines
 
Paul and Allison Towlson with Jeff and Beth Piggott
 
Dennis and Na'imah Astwood
 

Editors note - We have also published an extensive album of photos from the reception which you can view at http://expobermuda.com/index.php/photo-gallery/paul-wright-retirement-party#!IMG_37731

Following messages of congratulations and thanks for his valuable contribution to the BPS from His Excellency the Governor, the Minister of National Security, the Shadow Minister of National Security, and the Acting head of H.M. Customs, Paul was “subjected” to a “Roast” from Commissioner Stephen Corbishley who, despite only recently having arrived on Island had clearly done his research by interviewing Paul’s fellow senior officers to obtain a dossier of “incriminating” information about him!

Commissioner Corbishley delivers his "Roast"
much to the amusement of Paul and Angela
 

Just in case there is anyone reading this article who is not familiar with ‘Retirement Roasting’, these can at times be somewhat uncomfortable both for the audience and the subject in question, but I believe everyone present would heartily agree that Commissioner Corbishley did a superb job which was thoroughly enjoyed by all, especially Paul and Angela.

Here are a few extracts from his “Roast”, along with comments passed on through the Commissioner from fellow senior officers:-

“What follows is ten minutes of embellished stories and anecdotes wrapped around a thin vein of truth as I celebrate and commend to you the man that is our Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Paul Wright.

Before I start I note that Mr. Wright leaves not only big shoes to fill but also expensive ones as I note from one of his last emails today ……

“Please see attached a letter from my podiatrist Dr. Matthew Francis prescribing medical orthotic shoe inserts at a cost of $650. In line with policy I ask for this to be authorized for payment.”

To assist my words this evening I have had the pleasure of speaking with retired Inspector Terry Maxwell, who informed me of a couple of Paul’s nicknames, one being “Lightning” as he was said to be quite slow on his motorbike (when serving in MCPS).

(Editors note -  We have been assured by Paul that he was given the nickname "Lightning" not because of being a slow rider on his MCPS bike, but because he was slow and careful when writing out traffic tickets!)

Terry also described when Paul met his wife Angela. Indeed it is said that Paul sought to hide Angela away in the early stages of their relationship, giving the prying and nosey nature of his police officer colleagues.

However, this did not prevent the disclosure that Angela was apparently in the early stages of starting a massage business. Clearly a red rag to a bull to the nature of police officers, resulting in an abundance of posters appearing around the Station with the image of a blonde lady and the headline “Massages Available - call 1-8000 and ask for Ange”

I am also informed that Paul was at boarding school in his formative years. I guess you have in your head the image of a well-groomed, polite young man, abiding by the discipline of academic life and parental direction. Oh no, the truth is far different.

I am led to believe that Paul and a fellow pupil duped their respective parents into believing they were staying at each other’s houses, thereby creating the opportunity to attend a Black Sabbath concert! However, post-concert it was discovered that their secret night out was hindered by the fact that public transportation had ended too early for them to get away with their night of deception. Clearly, Paul was a young man who even then could think on his feet and the dastardly pair went to a local nightclub which was open until 4am on the basis that if they stayed there, then public transportation would return upon their departure. However, the two were soon identified as far too young to be in such an establishment and following their capture by security staff, the local constabulary were called and then alarmingly, the unsuspecting respective parents. I understand it was a very long journey home for the two boys and clearly left an impression which has assisted Paul in being the head of discipline for the BPS!

His colleagues have come up with some further anecdotes I would like to share with you:-

Many of these involved Mr. Wright’s temper for some unknown reason, which is particularly prevalent in the early morning hours, or when facing technology.

I am led to believe that the BPS will make a substantial saving next year in relation to not having to repair photo copiers that suddenly don’t work or do what they are told, or indeed computer keyboards which have damaged keys or have bounced off walls. I also note that Ms. Flood wants you to know Paul, that you are not in fact the only person who can be bothered to change the ‘bloody water bottle’!

I received this comment from DCI Pedro - “Having worked in the Senior Command office for many months at a time, I observed that Mr. Wright often times ate his breakfast and read the paper in the communal kitchen early in the morning. Notoriously grumpy in the morning, woe betide anyone that spoke to Mr. Wright while he was eating or reading the paper. I can recall making this mistake on more than one occasion, and being severely reprimanded for interrupting him!”

Paul as you will see is a very fit man who takes his health seriously. Indeed he is a man of yoga and also proudly refers to himself as MAMIL – which for those of you who don’t know is a “Middle Aged Man in Lycra”

However, Paul’s youthful looks have often been the comment of some quite frankly unfair submissions I received, not least the connected observance that Angela has her own beauty business. Some questions I have dismissed include:- (1) Are the DCOP’s shiny white teeth really of true natural origin; (2) Is the lack of any spectacles the result of laser treatment; and (3) Is the absence of wrinkles for a man of his age an indication of the work of a certain Botox application.

Joking apart, I would like to read out some extracts of comments I have received from his colleagues:

Chief Inspector Hashim Estwick - I have always found the DCOP used reason and numbers and mathematics to logically communicate strategic and operations matters. For me, no greater honour can come to any man than the respect of his colleagues. A comment the DCOP made during a time of intense gang violence and internal discord was - “Good teams work well together, but great teams are friends.”

Superintendent N’iamah Astood - Below is the quote I believe sums up Mr. Wright. He has always been a true gentleman and very compassionate towards me. I remember when my mother died seven years ago, Mr Wright was one of the first persons to attend the hospital and console me. I will always be grateful for that because when leaders show that kind of compassion you will always remain true to them.

Quote – “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not need to set out to become a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent “(Douglas MacArthur)

Chief Inspector Tracy Adams - Whilst I did not always agree with Mr. Wright I have always respected the manner in which he carried himself and set the example for all members of the Bermuda Police Service to follow. He has always provided rationale around any of the decisions he made. He has always been honest and fair. I wish him and his wife a happy retirement. He now has more time to spray the boats around him!

Superintendent James Howard - I want DCOP Wright to know that, “Retirement means no pressure, no stress, no heartache …. unless he plays golf”! On a serious note, it’s hard to believe that Mr. Wright is retiring. Most people turn grey which is a sign that it is time, however, Mr Wright has been grey like almost forever!

Having worked directly with Mr. Wright since the age of 22, I can say that he has always provided invaluable words of wisdom in relation to my career and even more recently in relation to my personal life, and for that I am truly thankful. His guidance, mentorship and friendship has always inspired me to do better.

You will be missed. Happy retirement

Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weeks - His steering of the Service through the new Conduct system has been game changing. His work as the lone ACOP Gold Commander through the first couple of years of the “gang shootings” in 2009-2010 where he was on call 24/7 for about two years was worthy of a medal.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels - Mr. Wright has been a steady and supportive influence on my career and although we disagree on some elements of policing which is natural, his overall and consistent approach, sound judgement and advice on matters such as conduct, strategy, and day to day life is unquestioned.

As an Assistant Commissioner over the past six years he guided/mentored me through some difficult periods and especially provided close support during the 2009-2011 period of multiple firearms murders and injuries. Some of his achievements include CCTV, new and improved Conduct and Performance Orders that focus on learning and development rather than blame and punishment, and the creation of working groups to design and implement a new BPS computer system. (Memex)

I wish Paul and Angela a healthy and happy retirement.

At the conclusion of his “Roast”, Commissioner Corbishley wished all the very best to Paul and Angela for the future and proposed a toast to the two of them.  

Paul was then presented with a cedar plaque, and Angela with a bouquet of flowers  as retirement  gifts from the Commissioner, Officers and Police Staff of the BPS.

Paul received a beautiful cedar plaque and Angela a bouquet of flowers
 

Following the “Roast” it was the turn of Detective Sergeant Gary Staines to say a few words of introduction to Paul, and there was no-one better qualified to do so as Gary came out to Bermuda on the same day as Paul, and they have remained close friends throughout their time in the BPS.

Paul was up to the task of giving his retirement speech as follows:-

Paul finally looking relaxed after his "Roasting"!
 

"I promised to make my own retirement function a low-key and inclusive affair that hopefully would fit in with most people’s schedules – being after work but before dinner and with a minimum of speech making. From the looks of it, that strategy worked a charm and I am delighted and honoured to see such a great turn out. It is is actually very humbling for me and I am deeply grateful to you all.

"I knew that I would be expected to say a few words and so having no previous experience of retirement speeches upon which to draw, I decided to ‘google’ it:

"Scott Elledge said: “It is time I stepped aside for a less experienced and less able person” – That sounded too conceited so I rejected that quote.
Groucho Marx said “There is one thing I always wanted to do before I just quit…retire!” That hit the mark for me. I believe that the best time to think about your retirement is before your boss does!

"I joined the Humberside Police in England as a Cadet in January 1979 – almost 40 years ago - the same year that Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister. Policing was quite similar to the environment portrayed in the TV series Life on Mars.

"When I started work all the now common computer words had different meanings: Before we were overtaken by the digital age, to be in possession of a “Mouse”, 'some RAM' or even “a floppy” meant something entirely different. Now I have unprecedented computing capacity with my smart phone but autocorrect has become my worst enema! Back then there were no computers, or photocopiers. Instead there were telex machines and leather-bound ledgers.

"But despite those differences and our modern ways today, some things have remained constant over the years. The ‘job’ was always there for me and it has at times been joyful, terrifying, heart-breaking, fun and exciting and sometimes utterly depressing but it has also always been varied, stimulating, satisfying and demanding. I admit that I have put the demands of the job first – even before my own family at times.

"Retirement will give me the opportunity to step back from daily public service and reassign my priorities on my spiritual and family life.

"The other thing that has remained essential for policing throughout the years; building effective relationships and working collaboratively and in support of like-minded good people to serve our community. That is really why this retirement reception is so important to me because at this gathering I see you all. I remember what we have done together and I can honestly say that we did our best and left the situation in better condition than it was when we found it.

"I am so very grateful to you all not only for what you have done to help me during my career, but to give the thanks and the honour to you for the good people that you are and by extension the service that you provide to our community.

"Finally, I left this last bit until the end because I knew that if I led with it I might become too emotional to get through the speech to the bit where I just told you that you were all such great people!

"I want to take a moment to publicly thank God for my wife Angela. You all know that I have been boxing above my weight for years in the wife department! We have been together for 32 years and as well as being the love of my life she has always been an unwavering source of strength and support for me throughout. I also want to acknowledge and thank my son Christopher who is with us tonight, and my daughter Stephanie who is working this evening as a staff nurse at a hospital in England. I am immensely proud of the adults that they have become. My family made sacrifices and adjustments to accommodate my policing career and they never complained.”

Paul’s speech was extremely well received and he was given three hearty cheers by all present.


Having attended more than a few retirement receptions I can say without doubt it was abundantly clear from all those present that Paul has been an extremely popular, well liked and much admired police officer throughout his career. During my time as President of the Bermuda Ex-Police Officers Association, Paul has been a strong supporter of ExPo in every way possible, with he and Angela attending many of our social functions.

I’m sure I speak on behalf of all of our ExPo members in saying that we wish Paul and Angela all the very best in the years ahead.

Not exactly sailing off into the sunset!
Paul, Christopher, Stephanie and Angela enjoying time together
 
 
We have received this brief update from Paul  -  "Angela and I will continue to live in Bermuda but will also rent an apartment in Portugal. We intend to split our time between Portugal and Bermuda. While in Europe we will be motorcycle touring on a new Honda Goldwing - something we planned to do many years ago when I saved my extra duty money from sitting in Premier John Swan's garage and put the money into our Goldwing fund. Kids and work intervened so now we finally get to follow up on our plans!" 

Policemen, Nurses and "Webbers"!

Details
Interesting Articles

 

 

PC 112 George F. Rose 
 

Being outside of the ‘Montrose’ nurses’ residence on Berry Hill Road, Paget could be a busy place for off duty policemen to socialize during most evenings of the week as nurses preparing for their shift change bid goodnight to their respective dates including myself and colleagues such as Stanley Hill, Steven Petty and Mike Jent to mention but a few.

At about 11.20 p.m. on Thursday June 16th, 1966 a man walking west passed within feet of me pushing his Cyrus motorcycle with ‘gooseneck’ handlebars. I had previously encountered this man during Beach Squad duties along the South Shore Road and immediately identified him as a notorious prowler who went by the name of ‘Yogi Bear’.

Saying a hasty goodnight to my date, I rode my motorcycle past ‘Yogi’ sitting astride his stationary Cyrus with a foot on the low Bermuda stone wall at the driveway entrance to ‘Springfield Cottage’ which lay in a pitch-black hollow on the left just below the brow of Berry Hill Road. I drove on down the hill to the north roundabout and then reversed direction back up Berry Hill Road. Passing ‘Springfield’ on my right I saw the now unattended Cyrus leaning against the Bermuda stone wall. ‘Yogi’ was nowhere to be seen.

I rode on to the emergency department at the nearby King Edward Memorial Hospital where I used the dedicated 253 direct police line to contact Operations. I asked for the immediate attendance, on a silent approach, of Kilo 1 the K 9 Unit, to meet me in the layby at the top of Berry Hill. Leaving my motorcycle at KEMH I ran back to the layby and waited on their arrival.

From this concealed position I saw ‘Yogi’ emerge from the blackness of the driveway. He quickly straddled his cycle and rolled it down Berry Hill Road. Momentarily, Constables Custerfield "Custy" Crockwell and Francis "Keith" Allchin arrived in Kilo 1 together with their Alsatian canine ‘Wolf’. I spoke to them briefly without them stopping and they continued on and caught up with ‘Yogi’ who had come to a stop at the bottom of the hill just short of the roundabout where he was in the process of pouring gas into his cycle from a soda bottle.

Springfield Cottage as it is today (2018) – some 52 years later
Note the easy access to the roofs’
 

In his jacket pocket was found a length of cord tied at one end to a cycle mirror. The mirror was later found to fit snuggly onto ‘Yogi’s Cyrus handlebars. Constable Crockwell questioned ‘Yogi’ and despite his denials he arrested and cautioned him on suspicion of prowling. His reply was, “Yes I saw him. I’ve been pushing my cycle from Smith’s. I was not prowling. The reason I went in there was to get some gas for my bike.”

In Magistrates’ Court the following day Friday 17th June 1966, the acting senior Magistrate E. R. Raymond-Bond remanded Ethered Clyde Stanley ‘Yogi Bear’ Outerbridge, aged 30, of Curving Avenue, Pembroke in custody until the following Wednesday on a charge of theft of petrol and prowling. Enquiries continued.

At trial on Wednesday 22 June, 1966 Catherine Jane P….. a tenant of Springfield Cottage, Berry Hill Road told the court that she had been in bed in her apartment when she heard “scrambling” noises which came from either the roof or the outside of the house.

At about 11.30 p.m. she went to make some coffee when she heard a “scrabbling and rustling” noise outside. She said that she did not then report the matter to police because the dog handlers had previously agreed to visit the premises during their patrols and she believed it may have been them causing the noise. She also told the court of annoying occasions in the recent past when her cycle had unexpectedly run out of gas on her short journeys to work in the city.

After hearing evidence at trial from P.c. George Rose, P.c. C.D. Crockwell and Sgt. Kenneth Harvey, Mr. Raymond-Bond dismissed the prowling charge through lack of evidence. He jailed Outerbridge for four months however for stealing 1/6d worth of petrol from an auxiliary cycle after hearing that his previous convictions included breaking, entering and stealing, carrying an offensive weapon and prowling, for which he had received jail sentences. Outerbridge was represented by Mrs. Lois Browne-Evans.

It was later determined that ‘Yogi’s modus operandi was to lie on the roof of houses such as ‘Springfield’ and, by dangling his cycle mirror on a cord held out at arms-length, he was able to see by reflection into the lighted windows of the premises.

COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION:
Awarded to P.C. 112 G.F. Rose
For keen observation when off-duty resulting in the arrest of a notorious prowler and subsequent conviction on larceny of petrol from a cycle
Dated: 28th June 1966

More Articles …

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  2. History of Police Drama Group
  3. City Man's Death Case "Fantastic"
  4. The Twist in a Tale of Two Intruders
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