The First Black Police Chief in Canada’s History is Jamaican

Devon Clunis was born in Harmony Vale in the garden parish of St Ann  and moved to Canada at the tender  age of twelve.

He is one of many Jamaican nationals who have migrated and are achieving phenomenal feats.

His prestigious appointment as Winnipeg’s police chief in  November 2012 made him the first black man to earn the coveted position in Canada’s history.

What makes his achievement so remarkable is why he decided to become a police officer.

  

When he applied  to be a Winnipeg cop in 1987, his main objective was to break the stereotype that police cruisers’ backseats are reserved for Blacks.

He also thought the job would help him become a role model for his young nephews.  Clunis was elated to be accepted, but never in his wildest dreams did he expect to rise to the top of the service and make history as Canada’s first Black police chief.

I am passionate about the City of Winnipeg and over the course of my career, I have been given great opportunities to help lead the organization…I applied for the chief position because I thought it was really important that the person taking over should have a great understanding of our organization and the city instead of just simply wanting to be chief…Every position for which I have applied was done simply because I felt there was a need to serve the organization and our citizens.

See video with Chief Clunis taking the Oath of Office below:


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Glen Donegan
9 years ago

It is always good to see a fellow Jamaican doing well, wherever. Given a fair opportunity Jamaicans will always strive, lets hope others will be encouraged by Devon’s example.

Marjorita Robotham
9 years ago

Jamaicans always do well in their endeavors. Sometimes we are just timid about Jamaicans being criticized and stereotyped. I wish this young well and pray for his safety while he serves and protects. Blessings abound.

Maxine Allen
9 years ago

I’m extremely proud of this Jamaican and I just want to wish him all the success in his endeavour.

Edris Hutton
9 years ago

Well done Clunis, congratulations

David Wallace
9 years ago

Very good Clunis, keep on doing good..

Oshane Johari Blagrove

great!!! Congrats

Al Lyon
9 years ago

Congrats, all the best Chief Clunis in your new role,

Phillip Demetrius
9 years ago

Thank you for reminding us that the sky is the limit. Congratulations and keep up the good work, Jamaica and Jamaicans are indeed proud of your achievement.

O.Maurice Stewart
9 years ago

As a Jamaican living in Toronto, Canada, words cannot express how I feel that a Jamaican is now Canada’s first black Police Chief! Congrats chief Devon Clunis! You have made us all proud!

O.Maurice Stewart
9 years ago

As a Jamaican living in Toronto, Canada, words cannot express how I feel that a Jamaican is now Canada’s first black Police Chief! Congrats chief Devon Clunis! You have made us all proud!

Shea Butter
9 years ago

Jamaica make history again

Dorrett DeLecia
9 years ago

Congratulations and God be with you always!

Pusey Juanita
9 years ago

I AM SO PROUD…………

Maria Newell
9 years ago

wow congrats to u sir u make me feel so proud

Michael Jackson
9 years ago

im proud to be from the same parish you from st ann jamaica

Trace Forbes
9 years ago

Wow, I love that,anyways what due to sizer give it to sizer..good job sr

Cecil Richard McCaw
9 years ago

Good to hear a Jamaican talking so intelligently. Proud of your achievement, sir. May the Blessings of Heaven and protection of our Creator be upon you! May you remain humble and give glory to God!

Rohan Morris
9 years ago

I am particularly proud of your achievement Mr. Clunis. I congratulate you as a fellow Jamaican and someone who resided in Winnipeg in the early 70s. I wish you every success during your term in office.

Gqwetha Ooro Diakonos
9 years ago

JamRock to the world

Isolyn Smith
9 years ago

proud of you Devon, do your best with God’s guidance

Theresa C Givans
9 years ago

Nice to see Jamaicans excelling and bringing positive contributions to the world. Congrats.

Dave Collymore
9 years ago

Proud of him.

Peter Mccarthy
9 years ago

Sweet May God Stand by your side i am so proud today is History For him self and is Country

Neville Wilkins
9 years ago

I am not a Jamaican but I am black and a West Indian and to me this story and his achievement is more than He just been a Jamaican but more so been a black man in a more predominantly white populace and rising to such an elevated position. His achievement should be an inspiring one to all blacks and more so West Indians through out the world.

Neville Wilkins
9 years ago

I am not a Jamaican but I am black and a West Indian and to me this story and his achievement is more than He just been a Jamaican but more so been a black man in a more predominantly white populace and rising to such an elevated position. His achievement should be an inspiring one to all blacks and more so West Indians through out the world.

Neville Wilkins
9 years ago

I am not a Jamaican but I am black and a West Indian and to me this story and his achievement is more than He just been a Jamaican but more so been a black man in a more predominantly white populace and rising to such an elevated position. His achievement should be an inspiring one to all blacks and more so West Indians through out the world.

Junie Reid
9 years ago

CONGRATS! HARD WORK AND DILIGENCE DOES PAY OFF! PEACE!

Junie Reid
9 years ago

CONGRATS! HARD WORK AND DILIGENCE DOES PAY OFF! PEACE

Blackbeauty Carter
9 years ago

Big up tuh Jamaica finest.

Joan Scott-Dixon
9 years ago

Excellent !

Vergenny L. Lawson
9 years ago

As a Jamaican/Canadian I feel a sense of pride of your accomplishments. Congratulations Chief Clunis.

Norma Walker
9 years ago

Chief Clunis is a great human being. He is a real people person. He is loved and respected in Winnipeg.

Dothlyn Bishop
9 years ago

Congratulation Sir, you make us feel proud.

Henris Brown
9 years ago

Congratulations Mr clunis I am truly proud of you for being the first black police chief in Canada god bless family

Rita Lalor Rowe
9 years ago

Well done

Kayan Kelly Kinn Johnson

Feeling extremely proud!!

Lola Johnson
9 years ago

What a special man! I am so proud of him. May God bless him.

Anson Currie
9 years ago

This should make us feel proud of our heritage. If we are ambitious and maintain our focus we will get there. Congratulations on your achievement Sir.

Hyacinth Joyce Gyles
9 years ago

I am very happy and proud of you Devon ‘ congratulations ” I am praying for your safety. good luck ****
Hyacinth Joyce Gyles

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[…] a few weeks ago we highlighted Devon Clunis, another Jamaican who became the first black Police Chief in Canada’s […]

Curt McLean
9 years ago

OMG, THAT IS AWESOME. CONGRATS TO YOU SIR AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,I AM SO PROUD TO BE A JAMAICAN.

Erica Wynter
9 years ago

Omg! He is from the same district like my dad. Congrats Mr Clunis!

Elvis Williams Smyth
9 years ago

woooow thats very encouragin this a challenge to other jamaican that we’re not aimless and wi likkle but wi tallawahs

Elvis Williams Smyth
9 years ago

Add a comment…awww so proud of yuh sir!!!!!congratulations in yur endeavours

Adelle Blackwood Anderson

Congrats—hard work and dedication always pay off. I am so proud of you and I just feel that you will do the right thing. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. God bless

Clive Ottey
9 years ago

Congratulations

Christopher Pothemont
9 years ago

Chief Clunis, I lift my hat to you. The Jamaican community local and abroad is very proud of you. Keep on doing what you doing to keep the community safe and may God protect you as you protect His people to create a safe and secure place to live

Wintworth Hudson
8 years ago

Yes! Yes! Well done mr Clunis you have made us Jamaican proud,heads up and Stan tall

Robert Mitchell
8 years ago

Proud of him.Thank God for our little island and i pray that you will bestow upon us your love and affection.

Clive Vassell
8 years ago

exemplary!!!!