ASP Claude Weekes goes on pre-retirement leave

After serving the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force for over 40 years, 7 months Claude Weekes as of August 8, 2023, has left on pre-retirement leave.

He will officially be retired as of March 2024. ASP Weekes has been described by many as “a no-nonsense man, fearless, outspoken, disciplined, dedicated and knowledgeable about his work.”

He was enlisted in the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) on August 15, 1983, and reached the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) when he was promoted in 2013 many opined that he should have been Commissioner of Police in Police had it not been for his frank and open public comments.

“I thank my God for allowing me to serve this country and its people with distinction. I am of the view that I gave unstinting, uncompromising, bold diligent, and professional service with humility and peace of mind,” he told Nature Isle News (NIN) in an exclusive interview.

He admitted that there were “trying times” and pressures from “within” but he says that he looked at it as “part of the package” and as a staunch believer, an Evangelist, and a man who fear the Lord, he thinks the Lord has always been with him.

He describes the latter part of his (21) years of service since giving his life to Christ has been the “most challenging.”

“We are in trying times of this world…the threats worldwide, it’s not business as usual, we need dynamism and professionalism in executing the work,” he stated.

He said that it blessed him to serve his country, with joy, diligence, and panache especially coming from the absolute stench of poverty.

“I served with joy, love, humility, strictness, uncompromising, unashamed, I enjoyed every part of it…there were times of disappointment and even denigration when you are overlooked, cast aside, and dejection; but, I understood that well because our Jesus went through that and, if we are following Christ there have to be a cost and so, I am in the world but not of the world and looking at the things that are heaven wards and not earthwards,” he concluded.

Last year, then High Court Judge sitting in Dominica Wynante Adrien-Roberts poured praises on Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Claude Weekes for his discipline and outstanding quality of service as a police officer.

She made her comments as she addressed the court at the closing of the Criminal Session of the court. ASP Weekes has been in charge of the police officers during the Criminal Session for many years and Justice Adrien-Roberts labeled him “a model Police Officer” and said she wished those police officers would emulate his qualities.

“You are a model to the Police Force, and they (the Police Force) are quickly losing what you have brought to the Police Force,” Justice Adrien-Roberts stated.

“I must commend you for your fantastic discipline and outstanding qualities you have given to the country through your service to the Police Force over the years.”

The High Court Judge said that she hoped that those in the Police Force would “take a look at ASP Claude Weekes, his qualities and discipline and pattern yourself with that to help make the police force much better.”

Justice Thomas Astaphan who served in Dominica for just over three months as High Court Judge also completed ASP Weekes for his “discipline and commitment” to his work.

This is not the first time that a sitting High Court Judge has showered praises on ASP Weekes, a few years ago then High Court Judge Errol Thomas also shared similar comments on the senior police officer.

“The departure of Mr. Weekes will surely create a void in the police force, he has been an outstanding and exemplary police office,” a police officer told Nature Isle News (NIN).

ASP Weekes has served in various capacities in the police force from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Drugs Squad, PRO, Police Prosecutor, and lecturer at the Police Training School to name a few.

Nature Isle News wishes ASP Weekes a happy and blessed retirement and God’s continued blessings and protection.