Tributes have been pouring in for one of the nation’s respected and dedicated public servants, Inspector Rodney Inniss of The Barbados Police Service (TBPS).
Inspector Inniss, who was the Communications and Public Affairs Officer of the TBPS, died suddenly at his St Philip residence on the evening of Saturday, February 1.
In her tribute, Prime Minister Mia Mottley described the senior officer as a pillar of professionalism and compassion as she expressed deep shock and sadness at the officer’s passing.
“Inniss endeared himself to Barbadians by showing a high level of dedication and compassion, no matter the circumstance. At any hour of the night, he was willing to take calls to provide clarity, and reassurance, and ensure that our country was not in undue alarm when incidents occurred.
“Indeed, his service to our nation and The Barbados Police Service was nothing short of exemplary and his absence will be deeply felt,” Prime Minister Mottley said.
Inspector Inniss was widely recognised for his dedication to ensuring that accurate information reached the public in a timely and reassuring manner.
In his role, he was often the bridge between the police service and the public, responding to media inquiries at all hours with clarity and composure.
The Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS) also paid tribute, recalling Inniss’ professionalism and unwavering commitment to his work.
“Inspector Inniss was an outstanding lawman who performed his assignment as The Barbados Police Service’s Communications and Public Affairs Officer with aplomb and humility,” it said. “Inspector Inniss was a real gentleman who was able to balance the demands of the media with confidentiality as a police officer, and his calm demeanour was an asset to TBPS.
“He appreciated the urgency of getting information to the public, regardless of the particular incident, and made himself available at any hour of the day to be present at any scene. While doing so, he ensured that the information gathered was accurate so that it could be relayed to the media promptly. We at the BGIS who worked closely with him all agree that we are richer for having known him. Inspector Inniss will truly be missed.”
The Barbados Association of Journalists & Media Workers (BARJAM) joined in expressing their condolences, remembering Inspector Inniss as a “gentleman” and a “consummate professional”.
They highlighted his ability to engage with media workers respectfully, even in challenging situations, and his steadfast commitment to ensuring that the public received accurate information.
“Even when media and police have not always agreed on an issue, Inspector Inniss was one who was steadfastly committed to dialogue and mutual respect. He has long been a stickler not only for getting important information out to the media and the public in a timely manner but also for ensuring that any such information was accurate.
“News of his sudden passing has already started to significantly impact members of the media who have been sharing fond memories of their interactions, having forged lasting friendships over his many years of service,” BARJAM said.
We at Barbados TODAY also pay tribute to and salute Inspector Inniss, a true gentleman and the epitome of a policeman.
His assistance to our media house throughout the years was unmatched and we are the richer for having worked with him, and the poorer for his sudden passing. Indeed, these words are apt: “Gone too soon.”
We extend our condolences to Inspector Inniss’ immediate family, friends and his colleagues at TBPS.
May he rest in peace.
The post Inspector Inniss: A gentleman and dedicated policeman appeared first on Barbados Today.
