The following is the full text of an address delivered to the press on Wednesday this week by Commissioner of Police, Keithly Benjamin, announcing his retirement from the Royal Anguilla Police Force.

Commissioner Keithly Benjamin

Today, I am humbled that I have the privilege to announce with pride and dignity that I will retire as Commissioner of Police of the Royal Anguilla Police Force effective April 30 2010. I joined the Police Force on January 1 1979 which makes me the last remaining serving officer who joined in the 1970s. It is fitting therefore that I exercise the option available to me to retire after 31 years service, the last 7 as Commissioner of Police. Traditionally, my predecessors would have retired when they attained the compulsory retirement age, but the Police Pensions Act provides one with the option of retiring after 30 years service.

I have had a good and rewarding career and have very few regrets, save for the tragedies I had to deal with. The most difficult part of my tenure was to attend three funerals of Police officers, two of whom died tragically and the other from natural causes. It was very challenging to be overwhelmed by such grief and still have a strong presence because the remainder of the Force is looking to the Commissioner for guidance and direction, when they too are going through the same grief. I am indebted to many persons who assisted me during those times.

If I subtract the sad times the rest was expected which makes the job of policing, albeit, risky and dangerous, but interesting. If you are service oriented and not looking for thanks for everything you do, then Policing is one of the jobs to consider. I have been exposed to many situations, underwent various training courses and dealt with many difficult issues. Yes, I made mistakes and learned from them. Yes, I made unpopular decisions but stuck by them and defended them when I had to.

When I became Commissioner, the crime situation in the island was on the rise and I had some very difficult years, particularly in 2006, when we had a record of 6 murders. I got blamed for everything and not many offered to assist. Today, I am preparing to leave with violent crime again very low and I must thank the rank and file for their effort, and contribution, in ensuring that violent has been reduced. It is still not where we would like it to be, but it will take more than just the Police Force to maintain low levels of crime. I also must thank the members of Public who provided invaluable assistance and who were prepared to give evidence to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.

I am leaving a professional organization behind with potential to go from strength to strength. It is important that the Government continue to invest in the Police Force to ensure that the officers are more prepared to deal with whatever crimes that may occur. I will be first to admit that some officers can raise the bar to enhance the service we provide and that will be one of the challenges for my successor.
I came up through the ranks, although I skipped the Sergeant rank which was unprecedented in this force, but was grateful for the opportunity and the chance that Mr. Payne gave me at the time, and I am confident that he has not regretted it nor did I disappoint him. I am proud of my achievements and the contribution I made. I am thankful to all who supported me, particularly my family who stood by me all the time and to the almighty God for giving me the strength and courage to come to work and deal with so many different personalities. I know there were many things that were said during my tenure and many persons asked the Government for my resignation. I was tested daily both within and without and that was part of my motivation. I have kept the faith and have completed my leg of the race. It is time to pass the baton. I am looking forward to a rewarding and stress free retirement although I am being given another opportunity to do something else for my country. It is something I have prepared for and, like the job as Commissioner, there will be persons who would be opposed to it, but again I will give of my best and I am determined to ensure that the persons who reposed such confidence in supporting my application firstly, including the decision makers, that I was worthy of the appointment.

Finally, I thank all members of my staff for their devotion and commitment to duty including the civilian members and the special constables. I also thank you the members of the media for your fair and balanced reporting and assistance during my tenure, and trust that the force can continue to look forward to the support you would have given me.
- Pres Release

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