Anguilla’s newly-appointed Commissioner of Police, Keithly Benjamin, was given a standing ovation at the end of his acceptance speech in which he vowed to take a tough stand against all forms of crime and to help preserve the pride of the island. Taking command of the Royal Anguilla Police Force on February 27, he pledged to make every Anguillian and visitor feel protected and safe in their homes and on the streets, thus promoting the island’s tourism slogan Tranquility wrapped in blue.

Police Community Band performing at the handing over ceremony

Mr. Benjamin, who is also a lawyer, said his passion for policing and how it should benefit the community had filled him with excitement as he took up his new appointment. He was delighted to have a unique opportunity to work closely with others to influence positive changes as the development of the Police Force continues and to interact with the various communities.

“There are inhabitants on this island whose only purpose is to steal what some hard working people achieved, to maim or inflict grievous bodily injury upon others and some times terminate life,” he continued. “Likewise, there are those who only intend to survive by destroying our children feeding them with drugs, thereby denying them of any chance of leading a meaningful life.

“I wish to go on record and say to those deviant persons that we know who you are and we will be relentless in pursuing you. If you do not cease from poisoning our youth with drugs and defiling our young girls, rest assured that retribution will meet you one day.

“I am prepared to have officers stand outside of your homes and follow you if need be because the freedom you enjoy in executing your criminal activity must be curtailed. The image of Anguilla ought not to be tarnished by you with impunity. Our efforts are not always fruitful with respect to the main violators, but our duties extend 24/7. We have the means to watch you and will keep watching until we are successful in our pursuit.”
Mr. Benjamin said the police had embarked on a programme involving the various communities in devising ways of restoring lost pride and contributing to eradicating drugs and lawlessness and other forms of criminality from the neighbourhoods. He observed that some persons had answered the call and demonstrated that they were willing to put country above self, but many more needed to get involved. “We cannot allow the deviants to run rampant and do nothing,” he went on. “Although we remain vigilant in our pursuit of the perpetrators of crime, I challenge each of you, who are hesitant to become a part of the Community Policing Initiative, to drop the shackles of denial and stand up for the principle of what is right. You owe it to yourself, your family, neighbourhood and country."
The Police Commissioner said he had recently outlined a strategic plan to Governor Peter Johnstone which would guide the Force in improving its duties. The objectives are to ensure that the Police are always accepted as part of the community and never seen as separate; prioritise the major issues of crime, drugs and disorderly behaviour especially involving young people; provide a victim centre service ensuring that the needs of victims are always at the forefront of the Police actions; provide high visibility patrols in all areas of the island; improve road safety and give value for money.

“In addition, our presence on the road will increase significantly. We will not be sympathetic to those motorists who have no regard for other road users. You can expect to see our radar guns pointed at them from various positions to reduce the number of traffic accidents that occur on our roads,” Mr. Benjamin advised.
“As far as practicable, we will have a presence at various public functions to minimise the rivalry between certain villages and those who are prone to settling disputes by inflicting pain on others will be dealt with expeditiously.
“We are devising a strategy to address our drug problem and we intend to present a business case to Government for the use of some proceeds of crime by the Police for much-needed equipment and or to facilitate a smoother acquisition of resources.” He added that the successful implementation of the plan and any strategies deriving therefrom were just as much a responsibility of the community as it was his and that of the members of the Force.

Cross section of invited guests in attendance

Mr. Benjamin warned all officers of the Force that corruption, dishonesty, unethical behaviour and other forms of indiscipline would not be condoned. “I expect every member of the Force to live their professional lives consistent with the standards contained in the Police Act and Standing Orders,” he stated. “My appointment as Commissioner of Police simply strengthens my resolve to ensure that the reputation and image of this small, but great Force of ours is not damaged by a few people whose purpose is to put their personal agenda above their professional responsibilities. Integrity is non-negotiable.”

Commissioner Benjamin delivering address

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