Brother George, Stephenson, Browne served in the British Army from 1944 thru 1947. He reached the rank of Corporal before officially retiring and returning to his native Barbados. Very soon after his return, he along with twelve (12) of his comrades joined the Barbados Police Force, serving 22 years before retiring on medical grounds. In early January of the year 1960, I was one of 30 new recruits who enlisted into the then Barbados Police Force and we constituted Course 12. We arrived on a Sunday night at about 8.30 and were immediately ushered to our respective dormitories which would become home for the next six (6) months if we qualified to remain for that period. The next morning at 6.00 am, we all fell into action on the parade square along with our seniors who were already there for three (3) months. This was the first occasion that I came into contact with this rather imposing, militaristic, energetic, erectly poised gentleman who introduced himself to the 30 of us as Sgt. George Browne. After an hour of physical exercise training, we showered, dressed in uniform, and reported to the dining room for breakfast at 7.30. This was followed at 8.00am by drill on the famous parade square and this is where Sgt. Browne was in his full element. We had a Regimental Sgt. Major, who was supposed to be in charge of military operations, but for whatever reason, in the minds of most of us, Sgt. Browne was the man in charge of that Square. He at all times, led with such professionalism and knowledge that he eventually made a tremendous impact on each one of us. Sgt. Browne had the ability to be a stern, strong leader on the Parade Square when he’s there but very often in the evenings after dinner, he would join a select few of us recruits, telling stories of his many experiences as a soldier. I cannot speak for my classmates, but in June of 1960 when we graduated, the mere thought of no longer having the guidance of Sgt. Browne and others from the training school, made me want to stay longer

Following Bro. Browne’s tenure in the Force, he joined the staff at Cave Shepherd and Company and in 1969, was commissioned to be Major Domo to then Barbados Ambassador to New York, Mr. Hilton Vaughan. (the term Major Domo is the equivalent to Aide De Camp to the Governor General). It was during his assignment in New York that he became aware of the Barbadian Ex-Police Association there. He attended meetings and subsequently became very impressed with the camaraderie exhibited by former members of our local Force, hence on returning to Barbados, he thought why not put a Chapter in place here also.  He met with a group of former Police Officers who held various ranks and who had eventually become civilians once again in an attempt to get things going. They first met at Crystal Crest Guest House in Belleville, a place which was managed by another former Policeman and this became a regular meeting place for this new group until the location was no longer available. Since there was no regular meeting place, members lost interest but this was regained because of some influential brothers who advised Bro Browne to host meetings at his home, this move proved to be a success. However, the membership soon outgrew his home and this caused Bro. Hugh Wiltshire (a former Brother, who has also passed on) to use his influence as a member of James Street Methodist Church to allow the use of the now defunct Hurd’s School for meetings. As a result of Bro. Wiltshire’s involvement in Church business, rental fees were waived but members thought it prudent to give an annual subvention for the use of property. Bro. Browne was a man of character and treated all persons with dignity and respect, this was evidenced by visits to meetings by then Commissioner of Police, Mr. Grantley Watson at the very church quarters. During one of Mr. Watson’s visits, there was discussion on a home for Bro. Browne’s conceptualized organization. Mr. Watson graciously gave permission for meetings to be held in the Officers’ lounge at The Police Sports Club, Weymouth, Roebuck Street, and this is still our home up to this day. As a result of generosity displayed, Bro. Browne suggested to us in 2011, that Mr. Watson be named our Patron and he still serves in this capacity with distinction. Two (2) awards were established under Bro. Browne’s Presidency, “The Police person of the year Award”, which is presented at the Police Commissioner’s annual parade and Review Ceremony and “an award to the Barbadian recruit with the highest aggregate. This is usually presented at Passing out parades. Bro. Browne’s “BARBADOS Ex-Police Association” came into being on January 10th 1971, he was the first President and served in that capacity for twenty (20) continuous years. In the year 2011, at our fortieth (40) Anniversary celebrations, he was awarded for his dedicated, yeoman service and founder. He was unable to attend that ceremony, but his beautiful, devoted daughter Marcilyn was present and accepted the award on his behalf. Bro. Browne was also a member and ardent supporter of The Barbados Legion for many years and in fact, I looked forward every Christmas Season to sharing fellowship with him at the Legion’s Annual Dinner. I now say with humility, that I Keith Hall, am honored to sit in the chair which that noble gentleman, George, Stephenson Browne occupied for so long and led with such dignity and honor, this illustrious Association which we now call, “The Barbados Ex-Police Association Incorporated”.

By Brother Ben Hall