First runner-up in True Blue pageant calls for strength and unity in law enforcement

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True Blue Shania Samuel (Photo courtesy Shania Samuel)
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By Kisean Joseph

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Police Officer in the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Shania Samuel, the first runner-up in the True Blue pageant held at the John E St Luce conference center on October 25, is using her platform to advocate for unity and personal empowerment within law enforcement.

Reflecting on her journey, Constable Samuel highlighted the parallel between pageant challenges and police work. Despite running on “48 hours, no sleep, and Red Bull,” she pushed through the competition, an experience that deepened her appreciation for law enforcement resilience. “It only made me realize now how strong police officers truly are,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to “be there, especially for the people of our communities.”

Her message addressed the challenges women face in law enforcement: “Stay true to yourself always. And never let anyone treat you any less than you are; know your worth, know your skills, know your capabilities, and produce.”

Constable Samuel’s approach to law enforcement centers on emotional intelligence and genuine connection. “Once you’re able to communicate effectively, when you’re able to connect with someone, the message will be received,” Samuel said.  She further emphasized the importance of meeting people at their emotional level noting that this practice makes it “easier for them to receive whatever message it is that you have to say.”

Constable Samuel plans to merge her earlier beauty pageant platform – she was the 2nd runner-up contestant in the 2024 Carnival Queen competition – on body positivity with the True Blue pageant’s focus on sexual harassment. “I’m trying to meet middle ground in joining the two so that the project can speak to all of these different issues,” she said, indicating future developments.

The Constable is also advocating for unified Caribbean law enforcement. “We have brothers and sisters across the region in law enforcement who share similar trials and struggles,” she stated. “Working together is the only way that we will begin to see change.” She stressed the importance of finding common ground, asserting that “we can’t allow for one Caribbean country to be at a level that the others are just not meeting.”

Speaking to aspiring female officers, Constable Samuel offered both spiritual and practical guidance. “Everything in life that you are looking to accomplish, pray about it,” she emphasized, highlighting preparation and self-awareness. “Never take anything at face value because a lot of times we have to give up things we didn’t realize we needed to give up.”

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