The members of the UK contingent serving with the Task Force set up in the Royal Anguilla Police Force to combat illegal firearms and drugs, have been welcomed to the island at a meeting at the Governor’s Office, followed by a press briefing in the Executive Council’s Chambers.

L-R: Commissioner Benjamin, Hon. Victor Banks, Insp. Sinclair, Ag. Gov. Capes, Constables Roger Phillip and Tony Marsden

Acting Governor, Mark Capes, who headed the meeting, said it was now a fixed regular session on the first Tuesday of every month when the Chief Minister would be invited to attend a briefing by the Commissioner of Police with the Governor on police activities. He welcomed the three UK officers: Inspector Paul Sinclair, who heads the Task Force and Constables Roger Phillip and Tony Marsden.

Acting Chief Minister, Victor Banks, said their recruitment was something the Government looked forward to, bringing new experience and expertise in dealing with crime on the island. He observed that Government could “not afford to allow the incidence of violence and attitudes of unsocial behaviour among the youth to continue.” He recognised that law and order was one approach and that there were more positive approaches in the social sector that should be implemented.

“I think it is important [however] that in the early stages we nip some of these things in the bud…making youngsters in the community recognise that there is a police force which is capable of dealing with their conduct and behaviour and that the community feels assured and confident of that kind of force existence,” he said. In welcoming the UK officers, Mr. Banks added that the elected Government had a great stake in events in Anguilla and it was essential that it should be informed about activities of the police. He complimented the Commissioner on the positive achievements made so far.

Inspector Sinclair said their role was to complement the police work already in place to make persons in Anguilla feel safer. He stated that the objective was “to build on that good work, to be part of the bigger team and to make an appropriate impact in tackling drugs, illegal firearms and unsocial behaviour - a problem that must be addressed.”

He added: “I am confident that we in the RAPF (Royal Anguilla Police Force) will do that within the laws of Anguilla, and people who commit these serious offences, we will endeavour to arrest and bring them to justice.”

Commissioner Keithly Benjamin, who joined in welcoming the UK officers to Anguilla, said Anguillian Police Superintendent, Rudolph Proctor, had overall responsibility for the Task Force. In addition to the three UK officers, whose appointments are for six months in the first instance, the Task Force comprises four local officers: a Sergeant and three Constables.

Mr. Benjamin added that up to Tuesday this week, four illegal firearms and some 20 rounds of ammunition had been removed from the streets and three persons had been remanded in prison.

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