It was an evening of mixed emotions as the Commissioner of Police, Mr Rudolph Proctor, was ceremoniously ushered into the presence of family, friends, colleagues and officials – at Flavours Restaurant on 8 July 2015 – to the sound of music from the RAPF Community Band.
He was graced with the presence of Chief Minister, Mr Victor Banks, the Acting Governor, Mr Stanley Reid, representatives from the police force in St Maarten and the United States of America – as well as the incoming Commissioner of Police, Mrs Amanda Stewart – most of whom offered words of commendation for a tenure well served. The floor was opened to members of the audience who graciously commented on the pride and joy they felt on observing Mr Proctor’s steady progression in his career. His co-workers were particularly grateful for his open door policy that saw many of them receiving useful advice and guidance and feeling valued and accepted. This, he acknowledged as true, with reference to his dealing with the general public. As he puts it, “I was always open to any Anguillian who would find his way to the Police Station to see the Commissioner, as I would never know if there would be another chance to see him again – as something might happen to him on his way back.”
The Commissioner was entertained by a special rendition from the Community Band’s saxophonist who skillfully serenaded him with the tune, ‘I Did It My Way’. To some extent that was true – he served in his unique style but, as he acknowledged, he did it with the help and encouragement of many along the way. Special mention was made of Elidge Richardson, Carl Ruan, Keithly Benjamin, Governor Harrison, and Larry Covington; as well as other associates in the various United States law enforcement agencies. Mr Proctor said, “I strongly believe that I had gotten the necessary training, assistance, mentoring and guidance for this job from all persons that supervised me all the way up through the ranks.” He expressed gratitude to persons in the public who encouraged him with their prayers, calls and texts, “especially when things were happening in Anguilla. You would not know how much that touched my heart and gave me courage to go on, especially during the last five years that I served as Commissioner.”
With regard to the current state of affairs with youth crime, he urged, “I am saying to you that our children – those who are perpetuating crimes – they are not too far gone. Work can be done to reverse the trend – but we must stand together to do it. Not the police one way – the community another and our political leaders another. I hope that will change. We must be together!
In defense of the decisions he made during his tenure as Commissioner of Police Mr Proctor had this to say, “Everything that I’ve done as a Police Officer and as a Commissioner of Police was in the interest of ensuring that the people who live, work and socialize on this island, lived in peace and safety. I want to thank all the officers, all the support staff and the civilians for the contribution they have made during my tenure as the Commissioner of Police.” He concluded, “May God bless you and may God bless Anguilla.”
