Former Barbados Commissioner of Police and Executive Director of the Regional Security System (RSS) Grantley Watson has died.

Mr. Watson, who retired as RSS head in 2017, was 80 years old.

At his RSS retirement function in 2017, Mr. Watson was lauded by government and international officials for what was described as his “outstanding” work at the helm of that institution.

He served in the field of security for 52 years.

Mr. Watson spent 39 years as a member of the Barbados Police Force, followed by a further 13 at the RSS.

A statement from the police service disclosed that Mr. Watson passed away after 7pm on Saturday at his residence surrounded by family members.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 58 years Ann, children Ivor, Winslow and Tricia, as well as 5 grand children.

Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce offered condolences to the Watson family on behalf of the service.