COP Resignation
I do hope that the very vocal individuals who felt that all of Anguilla’s problems would lessen with the departure of Amanda Stewart as Commissioner of Police, will indicate to us how the personnel change will make life better for the community. Interestingly, their tones sound like racism as well as bigotry and prejudice. Their rhetoric is certainly not about national pride. Hopefully Anguillians are mindful of the number of law-abiding non-Anguillians who reside and contribute to this island’s development.
The outgoing Commissioner of Police apologized for what she felt were her words being misrepresented. We have judged Mrs. Stewart without having any idea as to the questions or context to which she was responding. In her resignation letter, she clearly stated some of her accomplishments and plans which have been put in place during her short tenure of service in Anguilla. I am grateful for what she has done. But I cannot help but wonder about the motives of some of the major proponents behind her resignation. Are they fearful that some of the unsolved crimes would have been solved? Trust me, she was well on her way to doing just that. As one DJ noted some officers were also concerned, or is it that, as has been evident, they not only have to work (they are more visible in the community) but also educate themselves and lift the image of the RAPF. In addition some Anguillians should go to the Court House and see and hear how badly some of the cases are handled by officers, how many years it takes to deal with a case and how much it costs the taxpayers. All these shortcomings she sought to address. As of today I am even more convinced that for the interim period we needed a Commissioner with little attachment to the island as there is much to be cleaned up – one who cannot be readily accused of favoritism or any bias.
It is certain that we do not know what we want. These persons have never supported a local Commissioner of Police but they are now pretending to favour such. Who are they fooling? Some have even stooped so low as to question her qualifications. How many of us have questioned the qualifications of our politicians who are paid by the taxpayers also? What are the qualifications of many of the radio personalities and individuals who conduct these witch hunts? Not one of the loud mouths has given the lady credit for anything but is quick to express how perfect he/she obviously is.
We have said far worse things about ourselves. It is a fact that we are small and are like a village. We can’t be found on some maps and it is fine with us. I don’t mind someone telling me that we are mannerly, like the 1960’s in some of the so called developed world. The hotels are concentrated in the western end. Anguilla is not the easiest or cheapest place to get to especially from certain places in Europe.
This is a sad day and time for Anguilla and the repercussions will be far reaching and last for a long
Name withheld upon writer’s request
