Barbados is set to make history with the appointment of Sonia Erene Boyce as the country’s first female Commissioner of Police.

Boyce, who currently serves as Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, will officially assume the role on Friday, July 3, following the retirement of Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce.

The appointment comes after a selection process led by the Protective Services Commission, which included interviews and an assessment of candidates before a recommendation was submitted to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley for the required consultation and confirmation of support. 

The recommendation was then sent to President Jeffrey Bostic for approval.

A statement announcing the appointment said Boyce’s selection was based on her “demonstrated competence, experience, training, integrity and record of service,” highlighting her more than four decades in policing and public service.

Throughout her career, Boyce has held leadership roles across several areas of law enforcement, including operations, investigations, administration and human resource management.

When she was promoted to Deputy Commissioner last year, Boyce said she hoped her achievement would encourage more women across Barbados to view policing as a career path.