For the first time, the Anniversary Service of the Royal Anguilla Police Force has been taken to the western area of the island – this time at the Impact Life Centre on the West End main road.
The place of worship, as its name suggests, is an influential church established by Pastor Lucien McDonna, who is also known for his evangelistic leadership and crusades in Anguilla in association with other pastors and congregations.
Pastor McDonna, who serves as Chaplain in the Anguilla House of Assembly, challenged all ranks of the Royal Anguilla Police Force to take a stand in the execution of their duties and service to the island and its people.
In a graphically-illustrated sermon on the screen, entitled “Taking Your Stand”, he told the police, government officials and other members of the congregation: “We are a people of faith; a people of love; a people of unity. Walking in success we will not be defeated. We will rise above mediocrity to the place of excellence and strength. Wisdom and understanding will be our guide. We will walk away from ignorance. We will walk away from doubt – pursuing the plan that God has for our life.”
As if referring to the challenges of crime and violence, he told the police officers and others: “Your challenge always seems bigger than you” and “this is your season: take your stand now”. He also admonished the church not to be afraid to take a stand against evil, and generally pointed to the benefits of taking a stand as outlined in various instances in biblical times.
His admonitions to the law enforcement agency and the Anguillian public were well-received at a time when there is a need to stem the tide of crime and violence, and a call for societal leadership, spiritual awareness and living.
During the service, Commissioner Paul Morrison delivered brief remarks about Police Week and the 44th Anniversary of the Royal Anguilla Police Force and the service at the Life Impact Centre, among other matters.
Other persons who participated in the Anniversary Service were Mrs. Vanda Brown who delivered the welcome address; Mr. Foster Rogers, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Development, who gave a musical presentation; Police Officer, Augustina Carbon, who delivered the Scripture Reading; and Ms. Joan Robin who gave the closing remarks.
The Police/Community Band also performed during the service and the march-past.
Among those at the service were Governor Christina Scott, Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks; Minister of Social Development, Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers, Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Curtis Richardson; and Leader of the Opposition in the Anguilla House of Assembly, Ms. Palmavon Webster; Attorney General, Mr. Rupert Jones; and members of the French St. Martin and Dutch St. Maarten Police.
