Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4307/-1/140/
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Governor Commends Police For Good Work
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As the Royal Anguilla Police Force celebrates its 35th Anniversary, Governor Andrew George has commended its members for the good job they did during last year when, especially in the early months, there were a number of violent incidents.
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Governor George
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“Good work by the police, with the cooperation of the public, has led to a number of important arrests,” he stated. “The majority of the holiday periods of carnival and the Christmas/New Year festivities passed off peacefully. Thanks are due to the police service for the extra effort they put in during those times, keeping the peace so that the rest of the community can enjoy themselves in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Earlier, Mr. George said that with the vital role tourism was playing in the economy, it was essential to preserve the island’s reputation as a safe and pleasant place to visit. He stressed that such a perception could easily be damaged if great care was not taken.
He made the point that rapid economic development was leading to social change and in patterns of family life in Anguilla. He said the community was becoming more diverse as people were coming from elsewhere to fill gaps on the labour market and the changes were making the task of policing more difficult. He noted that Anguilla was still a very safe place but there was a need for hard work to keep it that way.
The Governor’s address continued: “Effective police work must be based on consensus and trust. The theme of this year’s police week is In partnership with the community we grow in strength and unity. The police need to win the trust of the public with respect and courtesy. It is vital that members of the public know they will be dealt with suitably if they approach the police and that any information they provide will be handled appropriately. For the police cannot hope to defeat crime alone. Cooperation from the law-abiding public is indispensable. All those who want to see the law upheld need to do their part in reporting crime and being prepared to testify if the witness criminal activity.
“The Royal Anguilla Police Force is engaged in a process of reform which will help it to meet the changing demands placed upon it. Legislation planned for early this year will change the name of the Force to the Royal Anguilla Police Service, reflecting the fact that the police serve the community rather than controlling it. Police officers will also be subject to a separate system of administration, recognising the great difference which exists between their wok and that of other public servants. Police pay has been significantly increased for the same reason. I hope these changes will contribute towards attracting more young Anguillians to join the police service. Policing will never be an easy job, but it is a very worthwhile career of public service, offering a great deal of variety and interest.”
The Governor said the police were in the front line when it came to meeting the demands of a changing society. He remarked that the officers in the force were of high calibre and pledged that the United Kingdom Government would continue providing expertise, training and equipment to help the force to deal with its challenges.
“I congratulate the Royal Anguilla Police Force on the important successes achieved in the past year in tackling criminal activity,” Governor George concluded his address. “Significant progress has been made…I urge all the people of Anguilla to give the police service their full support in ensuring that Anguilla remains a peaceful and law-abiding place, where residents and visitors can live without fear.”