Letter to:

H E Governor
Mr Andrew George
Government House
Old House
Old Ta
Anguilla

Dear Excellency,

Ref: Protest Action which took place on Tuesday 3rd July, 2007

I write to you as our Governor with responsibility for security of this our Island Anguilla.

The action taken by the four officers of the Royal Anguilla Police Force (Not Service) in executing the arrest of Mr. Dwayne Duncan clearly indicates the lack of respect for Law and Order as should be exhibited by such men and women of the Force. I refer Sir to the profane language and force (Police Brutality) that was used to execute the arrest.

It would appear as though our young officers are not fully trained to deal with matters of this magnitude, thus the behaviour exhibited.

I call upon you Sir, to request a full investigation as it relates to the four officers in question with regards to the circumstances surrounding the execution of the arrest and subsequent release. I further call upon you Sir to inquire from the Commissioner as to why none of the senior officers namely, himself or his deputies were on hand to properly supervise the ongoing Protest action at Long Bay on the morning in question.

The comfort of the air conditioned offices would in no way solve matters of this nature. A matter of this nature requires field supervision as situations can change quickly.

I am of the view that ongoing training is seriously required to enhance the development of our officers and I refer to all ranks of the Force.

I have heard the press release on Heartbeat radio last evening with reference to further investigations surrounding the protest action with the view of possibly bringing more charges against some of the protesters.

Whereas, I accept that the Police have a job to do and are entitled to make their investigations, there are serious allegations from members of the public that officers abused the use of their powers and members of the public will expect that investigations will be made by an independent and impartial body to examine and prosecute any officer/officers who have acted outside of the law. Anguillians are peaceful and law abiding people who have clearly demonstrated that they will tolerate nothing less than justice for all no matter who that person or persons maybe.

Anguillians are not pleased with the lack of professionalism shown by the officers in executing their duty and if the force requires the continued co-operation of the public then I think we ought to work together in harmony respecting and applying equal standards of justice for all.

The excessive outburst which took place on Tuesday was not necessary and if the officers were properly trained and supervised the protest could have been conducted peacefully.

I am a Community Leader, a Cub Scout Leader and if I am to continue in this vain of helping to shape the young minds of our communities then a change in the action of those who are called upon to lead this country must also change.

I am confident that you will do all in your powers to address my request on behalf of the people of Anguilla not on my behalf alone for I speak holistically on this matter.

I can be reached for further discussion on this matter at Tel: 1 264 476 – 4673 or 235 – 4673 and my e-mail address is Roberts jerome@hotmail.com(all lower case letters).
Sincerely,

Jerome Roberts (Concern Citizen of Anguilla)

Cc: Deputy Governor
Commissioner of Police
Deputy Commissioner of Police
Media

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