From teenage mother to senior cop

Bobette Morgan-Simpson gave 35 years of her life to JCF. His last day on the job was October 9.

Now retired from her six-year role as Superintendent of Police in charge of St Mary’s, she can look back on her career at JCF with pride. If I had to do it all over again, I’d still be a cop.

“That’s what paid for my house and my car and so on,” Morgan-Simpson said with a sense of pride.

He has never been afraid of hard work and never gave up when times were tough.

Born in Davyton, Manchester, she attended Belfield Primary School and later DeCarteret College; he finished high school by taking night classes at Knox Community College. During her days she worked in a chocolate factory in Williamsfield, Manchester, to support herself and her son.

Her salary was barely enough and a friend urged her to find a better way to earn a living. He was then an active member of his community’s youth police club; she has held the positions of secretary and president of the Council of the Police Youth Club of Area Three. In 1986 he made his first attempt to join the police force; she was rejected.

“The cop said I was too short,” Morgan-Simpson recalled.

During a police youth club meeting he expressed his determination to become a policeman. With the moral support of his then group leader Veronica Thompson (née Williamson), he re-evaluated.

“Fifteen of us came to the test and I was the only one who was successful,” Morgan-Simpson said.

She was the second woman superintendent in charge of the parish of Santa Maria; Senior Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay was the first. As a female officer in a male-dominated field, Morgan-Simpson has faced challenges. Through it all, she has remained focused on working hard and maintaining her self-esteem which, in turn, has earned her the respect of her peers.

“I have earned the respect and have a good working relationship with my male counterparts, which has grown over the years,” she said.

In his vigilance he has also made an effort not to exclude anyone from the parish.

“I don’t judge people based on what a person might say about them; i will meet you And I can say that all my stakeholders and I have an excellent working relationship,” he said.

Morgan-Simpson has also tried to maintain strong relationships with her colleagues, and said one of the things that has brought her joy over the years is making sure her team members know she appreciates their efforts.

“When I make a recommendation for a hard-working member who deserves to be promoted and in return I would come back and say, ‘Thanks, Sup,’ that’s priceless. Or recognizing members for their hard work and a member hugs you and says : “It’s the first time I’ve been recognized in all the years I’ve been at St Mary’s. It fills my heart with lasting memories,” Morgan-Simpson said.

If there is one regret, it is the unfavorable working conditions in which JCF members at St Mary’s have to work.

“The fact that I am leaving and the Port Maria station is not yet ready to occupy me saddens my heart,” he said.

Retired Superintendent of Police Bobette Morgan-Simpson receives a plaque of appreciation from St Mary’s Mayoral Councilor Fitzroy Wilson. The outgoing commander will be among those honored during a civic service as St Mary’s Municipal Corporation commemorates Heroes Week.