The Government secured the expertise of the Late Barbadian Bandmaster, Nathaniel Joseph Griffith, along with Six vibrant young Saint Lucian men within the ages of 12 to 14 years, right out of primary school. They also selected a small compliment of regular Policemen who were musically inclined and expressed interest. The “Band Boys” as they were baptized, soon became a household name throughout the length and breath of  our sweet Helen.  Now re-baptized “Bandsmen and Bands women”.

June 18, 1947, to June 18, 2022, marks 75 years of sound musical existence. We are all tuned-up, ready and proud to be celebrating our Diamond Jubilee on Saturday June 18, 2022. It is indeed befitting that we have a yearlong programme of activities in celebration of our milestone. We have created a very royal and  nostalgic calendar of activities with you in mind, our very loyal fanatics and  supporters. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Band, pays homage to our founding fathers, all in the land of the living, and posthumously, to those in the great beyond. Also, to all who have been trained, groomed, schooled, and passed through the walls of this Noble institution.

Bandmaster, Nathaniel Joseph Griffith served for a number of years and was succeeded by the late Bandmaster Randolph Beckles, also of Barbadian nationality, who also served for a number of years. During these formative years of the band, it built a cadre of musicians that would become the creators of  the country’s formal, cultural musical foundation.

The Band’s Founding Fathers are:  Lennox Niles, Cecil John, Carlos Mynns, Rudolph Charles, Eric Gittens, Nathaniel Jemmott, Olney Preville, Clement Springer, Talton John, Stephen Worrel, Kirby John Squires, Stephen Gaynia, Spooner, Beckles and Griffith.  The musical tutoring and schooling of the bandmasters took effect and manifest in a well rounded group of young musicians. To borrow a line from the then band master Griffith “ to be the best band in the world, is to be the best trained band “.

Best trained indeed, that bandsman Carlos Mynns was selected to pursue training at the prestigious institution Kneller Hall in the United Kingdom. Upon his return from his studies, he took over the leadership and directorship of the Police Band by becoming the first Saint Lucian national to lead this noble institution.

The band that you know and have come to enjoy on every national parade, formal events, cultural shows etc., was re-shaped by this musical genius’ ideology. From the arrangement of our National Anthem, to a number of musical arrangements played on the independence parade and on other traditional and cultural engagements, are the arrangements of this great bandmaster, Superintendent Carlos Mynns.  He's style and preferred choice of notes remains a staple over the years in the band’s musical arrangements.

Carlos Mynns led, trained and served for a number of years with distinction, until  1990 when he transited to the heavenly orchestra in the great beyond, where he continues to create his  music.

Assistant Superintendent Gerard Emmanuel took up the reigns of leadership of the band, after the passing of Carlos Mynns. He held the position for one year.

In 1991, Superintendent Rudolph Charles was recalled from retirement, to lead the Royal Saint Lucia Band. As Director of Music, he brought much experience to the band, being one of the founding members. Under his stewardship, the band saw the inclusion of females into the rank and file which was predominantly male. That historic inclusion brought a new face and vision, and broke gender barriers to the spectacle that you see and enjoy on every given occasion.

Superintendent David Myers took over the reigns of leadership from Mr Rudolph Charles in 1994, upon his return from his studies at Kneller Hall in the United Kingdom. The instrumentation of this regimental and professional musical institution was then augmented to include vocal renditions, which was very interesting considering, that the arrangements played by the band was principally instrumentals. That again introduced a new addition to this evolving musical institution. It was indeed welcomed by all within the country.

The inevitable and proud accession to the leadership and directorship of the band from within its own ranks, remains an achievement worthy of  mention.

The tradition and discipline of this national musical treasure, continued with Superintendent Gregory Piper taking over the leadership in 2005 from Mr. David Myers. Mr. Gregory Piper served as director until 2011. He was succeeded by Assistant Superintendent David Pierre who led and maintained the musical discipline until 2012 when Superintendent Timothy Mondesir took over the directorship.

Within its lifespan, the band have proudly represented the nation at  many regional national events; Independence parades, military tattoos and musical festivals to name a few. The band welcomed its first international travel and performance taking part in a musical festival in Taiwan in the year 2018 under the directorship of Timothy Mondesir. In October of 2019, the band travelled to Barbados to take part in a military tattoo, involving many other military bands. The very famous YouTube viral video of the performance of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band in a Tattoo in Barbados is one  that will also remain in the hearts of all Saint Lucians and music lovers.

As the entire globe was forced to treat with the effects of the Covid19 pandemic, Saint Lucia being no exception. In particular, it saw the closure of the Police Band due to the protocols instituted. Band personnel were detached to various  Police departments to augment the  numbers in dealing with these protocols.

Invariably, that was the longest period the band have ever been detached and not functioning as a unit. Save for vacation leave.

Fast forward to 2022, the Band is under the capable command and directorship of Assistant Superintendent of Police Deland St Jules. Mr St. Jules is task with leading us into our Diamond Jubilee of 75 years of existence. As opposed to the very small contingent of foundational members in 1947 he is charged with leading  and conducting a membership of 45 in 2022 and beyond.

The duty of band members was made easy by the fact that, historically the band have created and have been part of everything building the national pride of this nation. The playing at school events, community events, religious and national events have become the modus operandi of this national musical treasure. As we continue our nation building, we vow to continue partnering with all agencies that is of the same ethos and notation.

As we chronicle our journey from 1947 to 2022, it is definitely befitting  to say thank you to all current members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band. Continue taking pride in yourself and your nation, whiles performing at universal standards on every occasion. The Police Band says thank you to the Government and People of St Lucia for its continued support over the years. To the Police Commissioner and every other rank and file of this Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, we salute you with a musical fanfare. To all former members of the band, we say thank you for your contribution to nation building through the band.

To our future Bandsmen and Women, we look forward to welcoming you to an institution of sound discipline and professionalism. It will be very interesting to usher in the technology as we crescendo into the future.

Let's all lift our instruments in celebration of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band’s Diamond Jubilee of 75 years of existence, 1947 to 2022.