ACP Juanita Colebrooke to be awarded 2015 "Woman of Distinction" Award

Thu, Jul 2nd 2015, 05:00 PM

Celebrating Woman International (CWI) a subsidiary of TKHGFI nonprofit organization, announced plans today to award ACP Juanita Colebrooke with the “Woman of Distinction Award” 2015 for her outstanding accomplishments professionally and within the community.

The early life of Ms. Juanita Colebrooke was spent in the community of Wulff Road, the main highway that eases the connection between the east and western New Providence. As a young girl she attended the Southern Junior School and later graduated from Aquinas Catholic High School. Having high ambitions and aspirations for a challenging career, she enlisted with the Royal Bahamas Police Force in July, 1966. Thus began a long distinguished and meteoric career in law enforcement, a relatively uncharted territory for females at the time.

Upon completing her training in December, 1966 she was posted at the Central Division for a brief stint before being transferred to the Traffic Division, where she found her niche and served for twenty (20) years. During this time, she excelled in every facet of the Division and her dedication to duty and hard work gained her promotions through the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant and Inspector.

Destined to serve, Ms. Colebrooke’s career was concretized at postings throughout many Divisions namely: Southern and Eastern Divisions, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Tribunal at District Headquarters, the Inspection and Review Branch, School Policing Unit and Complaints and Corruptions Unit. The various positions ensured that she acquire and perfected her policing skills as she simultaneously pursued management courses in educational institutes in Nassau, England, New York and Canada. Her skills, coupled with the leadership qualities, prepared her to assume upper management roles within the Police Force.

In July 1991, Ms. Colebrooke was promoted to Chief Inspector and six months later (January 1992), she was confirmed as Assistant Superintendent of Police. As her professional accomplishment and commitment to the development of others increased so did her accomplishments; and in July 1996, she was promoted to the rank of Superintendent and later in July, 2004, she was confirmed in the rank of Chief Superintendent.

The seemingly impregnable gender barrier in law enforcement was finally broken when Ms. Colebrooke was elevated to the lofty position as the first female Assistant Commissioner of Police in April, 2006. A firm disciplinarian, she served as a vital inspiration to her peer ad juniors alike, she earned their respect and was elected as their representative within the organization. Her promotion represented the possibility and opened the potential that now exist for other female officers throughout the Force.

During her forty-three years (43) of exemplary service Ms. Colebrooke carried out her duties with great precision relying on her knowledge of the law, and guided by the policies of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Her journey although a long and arduous one served to strengthen her character and to expose her to a wealth of experiences and knowledge which she gladly shared with others.

ACP Colebrooke describes the highlight of her career as ‘the impact she has had on the lives of the officers with whom she come into contact’. She envisions that female officers will play an integral role and assume policy-making positions within the development of the Royal Bahamas Police Force in the future.

ACP Colebrooke retired from the Police Force in 2009, however her desire to remain active in her service to country motivated her to answer the call to join the Police reserves in 2012. She was named as National Commandant of the Police reserves in November 2012.

Ms. Juanita Colebrooke is an active member of the New Covenant Baptist Church and an avid traveler and sports enthusiast. We commend her for her contributions to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in general.

Founded in 2013, Celebrating Woman International aims to mobilize and inspire women across the globe, to honor, recognize and celebrate the contributions of women, leveraging their untapped leadership capabilities in order for them to thrive in the world so that they can lead productive lives.

Celebrating Woman International goals are to:

• Unite, connect, engage and inspire women to honor and celebrate themselves and other women worldwide.

• Expand women’s global business and leadership opportunities.

• Create a virtual “Celebrating Woman” Worldwide Center & Hall of Honor by 2020.

• Provide a one-of-a-kind global education initiative focused on honoring differences.

• Inspire a spirit of service and giving among women.

“Celebrating Woman International thinks honoring women for their accomplishments and hard work is a wonderful way to thank and inspire other women within the community. These awards are intended to do that. The selected honourees have demonstrated an untiring zeal for service to the community and inspire us through their selfless commitment to improving the lives of others,” Celebrating Woman International Corporate Secretary, Collin Smith said.

During the month of October, the “Woman of Distinction Awards” will be awarded to women who have made significant contributions in the following categories: arts; business; finance & trade; religion; law; civics; media and sports in The Bahamas.

During the month of September, Celebrating Woman International will announce the names of all the honorees and give more details about the upcoming events.

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