The Caribbean Law Enforcement Foundation is the brainchild of retired NYPD Detective David Watson who saw a need for follow-up and advanced training for Caribbean law enforcement and first responder personnel. While a Detective with the NYPD he traveled to the Caribbean yearly with the Caribbean Law Enforcement Association; a fraternal organization of law enforcement officers from various agencies
. Over the years the Association members visited St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua. While conducting training during these trips David saw the great need for continuing education and advanced training. When asked what training is needed the response was always “everything”. In 2012 David was able to secure training for Caribbean personnel within the NYPD’s “Basic Methods of Security Course” and “Active Shooter Training”; he then liaised with the Caribbean Regional Security System to have Caribbean personnel attend the trainings. Since then he coordinated the training accessibility, lodging and transportation while the Caribbean personnel were in New York City. Personnel form Antigua, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent & The Grenadines have benefited from the New York based training. The accessibility to training was a great step forward but only a few Caribbean personnel could attend training; an average of one person per island at a time. This was due to the cost of incurred by the Caribbean governments paying for airfare, lodging and food for each person attending training in New York City; the average cost per person was $8000.00 US dollars. Due to the financial strain on Caribbean governments sending personnel to the United States, David realized the solution would be to send the trainers to the Caribbean. Upon his retirement in June 2015, David endeavored to create a situation where he could send trainers and equipment to the Caribbean at no cost to the governments. He collaborated with two or his protégés, Kentis Ellis and Kadeem Stiell starting the process incorporate the not for profit “Caribbean Law Enforcement Foundation”. Seeking additional guidance from retired NYPD Detective Leroy Hutchinson, retired NYPD Detective Arthur DeShong and retired NYPD Police Officer Jose Vera the foundation was incorporated in January 2016. The initial goal for the Caribbean Law Enforcement Foundation is to start monthly training in the Caribbean for law enforcement and first responder personnel by January 2017. The airfare, lodging and meals for the trainers travelling to the Caribbean will be covered by the foundation. David aptly chose the Latin phrase “Securitate Futuris” as the motto for the foundation, the English translation is “Securing The Future".
