1963

Summary 

This is the third in a series of articles by Retired Detective Superintendent George Rose about the years during which the Bermuda Police was headed by Commissioner George Robins.  This article deals relates to 1963, and much of the information has been gathered from the daily and weekend newspapers along with the Police Magazines.

Early in 1963 Commissioner Robins expressed concern about problems with juvenile crime and wondered if having a YMCA could be a helpful solution.  A small science laboratory was established at Police Headquarters which was already reducing the costs of needing to send evidential material overseas for testing, and during a visit to Bermuda, the British Home Secretary paid a visit to police headquarters and said he was impressed by what he saw there.

In March the Bermuda Police Association raised “important grievances’ that existed in the Police Force including salaries, housing allowances, conditions of service and leave arrangements, which were brought before Commissioner Robins.  A subsequent Civil Service Report made recommendations on these matters to the Legislature. Later in the year a new salary scale for police was presented to the House, and a revised Police Act was placed before the Executive Council for consideration with provisions that were said to be likely to provide the Force with much needed stability for years to come.

In June of his third year as Commissioner, Mr. Robins released the annual Police Report for 1962 in which he noted favorable reaction to the introduction of policewomen, along with the effectiveness of Beach patrols, the Dog Section, Cycle Squad, and the separation of the Police as a body from the Civil Service.

In July the Commissioner commented on the increased size of the Police  Force noting that in 1957 the establishment of the Bermuda Police was 163.  During the year of the Warwick Murders (1959) in stood at 211, and in 1960 it increased to 274. Mr. Robins observed that Bermuda had a bigger police force than other countries of a similar size, but pointed out that one of its the most important functions was “to ensure that the tourists enjoy Bermuda with a minimum of interference or molestation of any sort.”  He also commented on the increasing prevalence of unlicensed firearms, and identified marijuana as becoming a growing menace in Bermuda. 

August saw the re-introduction of Bermuda’s traditional Parish Constables. Mr. Robins noted that the appointment of parish constables was as old as Bermuda’s parliament, dating back to 1620, and way back then parish constables swore an oath of office just as constables were doing in 1963.

Hurricane Arlene directly struck Bermuda in August keeping the Island Police busy and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, but no casualties.  One positive effect of preparing for Hurricane Arlene was that advanced preparations for it led to the formation of what later became known as the Emergency Measures Organization.

In October Commissioner Robins travelled to Houston, Texas, to attend the 70^th Annual Conference of Chiefs of Police. This was the first time any Bermuda Chief of Police had attended the conference.

November saw two serious sexual assaults (rapes) committed in Warwick Parish, which again raised the issue of whether there should be a permanent police-sub-station in Warwick Parish to serve the Western Parishes.  This proposal was first raised during the Warwick Murders in 1959.  Although the proposal was never adopted,  Commissioner Robins wanted to thank the residents of Warwick and the Salvation Army Church in Warwick for allowing their church to be used to house a temporary police station during the rape enquiries, and he presented a new table tennis table to the Salvation Army as a token of the appreciation of the Police.

Also in November the Police launched a short police recruiting film in an effort to attract more Bermudians to consider a career in the Police.

The Police Training School was getting into full swing in 1963, with Basic Training Course No. 3 having  been held from April - June for local recruits, and in December Basic Training Course No. 4  was completed for 12 expatriate officers from the U.K.

During 1963 Commissioner Robins continued to encourage members of the Police Force to get involved in local sports, such as cricket and football, rugby, field hockey, squash, billiards and snooker, and one sport that was rapidly increasing in popularity was sailing (snipes). A group of young police officers had earlier formed the Bermuda Police Boat Club  and at its annual prizegiving in December, Mr. Ronnie Marshall from Spanish Point Boat Club commended the Police for doing an admirable job under great difficulties, and observed that their participation in sports led to a better understanding between the Police and the public.  The Police also had a team participating in the Somers Isle Rifle Club with the police team winning the 1963 annual J.E. Lightbourne Cup.  Our two 1963 Police Magazines, published in 

Tirena Rollins (Belboda)

Tirena Rollins (nee Belboda)  joined the Bermuda Police as a young Cadet in August 1981, and was appointed as a police officer in April 1983.  She attended  Basic Training Course #33, from May to September of that year, one of three policewomen to do so.  

From the outset Tirena proved to be an outstanding and much loved member of the BPS who enjoyed a remarkable career over 35 years until her etrement at the age of 55 in April 2019.

Sadly, Tirena passed away, too soon, on 10th December 2025, and shortly afterwards we posted the following tribute to Tirena written by Commissioner Darrin Simons which read as follows:-

“Tirena began her remarkable career with the Bermuda Police Service on 10th August 1981 as a Police Cadet and was appointed as a Police Officer on 27th April 1983.

She was confirmed in her role on 27th April 1986 and served with distinction until her final day of service on 27th April 2019.

After successfully completing her initial training, Tirena joined the original 'C' Watch Central. Her passion for investigations became evident early in her career when she was transferred to the Women's Policing Division, now known as the Vulnerable Persons Unit. She later joined Central CID and was confirmed as a Detective Constable on 25th November 1988.In April 2000, Tirena passed her Sergeant's exam and was promoted to Sergeant on 25th June 2002. Throughout her career, she was known for her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to her duties.Tirena's impact extended beyond her professional achievements.

A passionate advocate for fitness, she enjoyed running, football, and working out with her colleagues. She was the first female to win the junior category of the May 24th race and played football for Dandy Town before joining the Police football team.Her caring nature and generous spirit were defining qualities. Tirena was known for her big heart and her desire to help others, often going out of her way to assist those in need. Her kindness and selflessness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Tirena is survived by her two daughters, Shannyn and Zharya; her grandsons, Sauvi Douglas and Zauchi Marley; her mother, Patricia Belboda; her sisters, Corrinda and Francine; and her brothers, Loren, Anton, and Coy. She was predeceased by her brother Keema.The Bermuda Police Service family extends our deepest condolences to her loved ones--her mother, children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, and former and current colleagues--during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are mourning her loss."

A Celebration of Life Service  was held for Tirena at 1pm on Saturday 11th January 2025 at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium and interment followed at St. Paul's Cemetery in Paget.

Tirena Rollins (1964-2024): police officer and artist

A few days after the Celebration of Life Service, the Royal Gazette published a beautiful article about Tirena, written by  Jonathan Bell, which read as follows:-

Retired police sergeant Tirena Rollins was a woman of diverse talents, from art to sport (File photograph from Royal Gazette)

A dedicated former police officer with a flair for painting and writing has been remembered for her “dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to her duties”.

Tirena Rollins took solace from her long hours of police work in painting, telling The Royal Gazette in 2014,   

as she prepared to exhibit her work at the Bermuda Society of Arts: “The job is very exciting and interesting, but it can be very hard to leave it behind at the end of the day.”

Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, said: “Tirena's impact extended beyond her professional achievements.

“A passionate advocate for fitness, she enjoyed running, football and working out with her colleagues.

“She was the first female to win the junior category of the May 24 race and played football for Dandy Town before joining the police football team.”

Mr Simons added: “Her caring nature and generous spirit were defining qualities.

“Tirena was known for her big heart and her desire to help others, often going out of her way to assist those in need.

“Her kindness and selflessness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.”

Ms Rollins loved art from childhood, excelling at the subject in high school.

She took a break from painting after joining the Bermuda Police Service as a cadet in August 1981 to give back to the community — but gradually returned to art and began painting abstracts as well as writing poetry.

She had her first show in 2004 to celebrate her 40th birthday, and used the occasion to raise money for charity.

Additionally, in the wake of her retirement from the police force, she forged ahead in the water trucking industry.

Ms Rollins was appointed as a police officer in April 1983, and Mr Simons said she served with distinction until her final day on the job on April 27, 2019 — her 55th birthday.

He added: “After successfully completing her initial training, Tirena joined the original C Watch Central.

“Her passion for investigations became evident early in her career when she was transferred to the Women's Policing Division, now known as the Vulnerable Persons Unit.

“She later joined Central CID and was confirmed as a detective constable on November 25, 1988.”

Ms Rollins passed her sergeant's exam in April 2000 and was promoted to the rank in June 2002.

Mr Simons added: “Throughout her career, she was known for her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to her duties.”

He said her favourite number was 10, which held significant meaning throughout her life — from her football jersey to the date of her passing.

Painting helped Ms Rollins to unwind from the rigours of the job, and she often worked deep into the night.

“It comes from my soul,” she told the Gazette. “I don’t know what is going to come out until it is done.”

She left her paintings untitled to leave them open to the viewer’s interpretation.

Her principal medium was acrylic on canvas, but she also found expression in oil painting and charcoal on paper.

Ms Rollins’s artwork, which she framed herself, decorated the walls of the court liaison department, and sold for charitable causes at police auctions.

In recent years, she moved into a traditionally male-dominated industry, trucking water for Liquid Gold Water.

Tirena Liane Rollins, a distinguished police sergeant and artist, was born on April 27, 1964. She died on December 10, 2024, aged 60”

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ExPo Facebook Comments 

Following  initial receipt of the sad news about Tirena,  we posted an article about Tirena here on our ExPo website, and also on our ExPo Facebook page.   Here are several of the comments made by Tirena’s former colleagues:-

Steve Parkinson  -   I’m deeply saddened to hear this. Tirena was always smiling and laughed at all my corny jokes. She’s been taken way too soon. RIP Tirena.

John Andrew Powell Sr.  -  RIP Tarina. I was in that # 33 Training Course. Hugs to her family and friends.

Bucko Kev -  Sorry to read this. Tirena was on my watch, C Watch when I was in Bermuda. May she Rest in Peace.

Heidi Dyson  -  Very sad to read this, my condolences to her family. I remember her from when I served, she always had a smile on her face.

Clive Williams  -   Very sad to hear this, I worked with Tirena at Hamilton in the late 80’s. Always smiling, she was good fun and a good officer. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Shavon Edwards  -  My deepest condolences to Tirena’s family and loved ones. I remember her fondly and with the greatest respect as an officer. 

David Abraham  -  She was a real gem! Huge miss.

Andre Richardson  -  SIP. Condolences to the family and by extension the BPS

Anne J Phillips  -   Lovely, kind woman. Rest in peace Tirena 

Keith Senior  -  Dear Tirena, you were so lovely and we had so many laughs! We worked together and did good together. So sad to hear this news. Big luv girl.

Angus Brown  -  I’ve only just found this. What a shock. I worked with Tirena in CCID for some time back in the 80’s and agree completely with all the comments made by everyone else who worked with her. Always smiling and laughing, but a damn good, hard working detective at the same. I’m now in England, but would not have missed her “send off” if I were still in BDA. She was just lovely!

Jonathan Smith  -  Very sorry to learn of Tirena’s passing. Worked with her for several years as a team member and colleague in Central CID. Lots of tough cases, long interviews and some laughs along the way. Tirena was anxious to learn - and she did. She was hard working, dependable and persistent- especially when the full facts needed to be drawn out during interviews. Gone too soon for sure.

Robin Locksley  -  Very sorry to learn this news - a good officer gone to soon. Sincere condolences to her family and friends. May she RIP.

There is no question that Tirena was both an outstanding police officer and a person who embraced life to the full in everything she did. We are proud to publish this article in our Hall of Fame.