A large number of people gathered at the St. Mary’s Anglican Church in The Valley last Friday, March 23rd, to pay their final respects, and say farewell, to Mr. Elliott Richardson who served as a Police Commissioner of the Royal Anguilla Police Force(RAPF).
Mr. Richardson, who passed away on March 6th, was noted for his long career in policing. He joined the Leeward Islands Police Force in 1961, and later served in St. Kitts-Nevis. He also served in the Criminal Investigative Department of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force in Tortola, before enlisting in the Royal Anguilla Police Force in 1972. In 1996, he retired from policing having served as a police officer for 35 years.
Mr. Richardson was granted a military funeral by the Government of Anguilla, and flags were flown at half mast from the day preceding the funeral until the following day. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Paul Morrison, delivered a stellar speech in tribute to Mr. Richardson.
Among those attending the funeral were government officials, a contingent of the RAPF, representatives of the Immigration and Customs Departments, the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Services, and Officers of Her Majesty’s Prison.
According to a statement of condolences from the Hon. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Minister of Home Affairs, “Mr. Richardson served the Royal Anguilla Police Force from 1972, working his way up the ranks from Sergeant to Inspector, Deputy Commissioner and then rising to the rank of Commissioner of Police in 1990. He retired with distinction after 35 years in Law Enforcement. He was also a local preacher in the Methodist Church, Captain of the Boys Brigade of Anguilla and a disc jockey at the former Heartbeat Radio Station.”
The Minister added: “The late Elliot Richardson was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and the Queen’s Certificate in 2010 for his outstanding contribution to Law Enforcement and Social Development.
“To the family and relatives of this proud Anguillian, we pray God’s guidance during these very difficult moments.”
The eulogy was read by Pastor Cecil Richardson, who is brother of the deceased, and the sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, Superintendant Minister of the Methodist Churches on Anguilla.
Interment followed at the Ebenezer Methodist Cemetery in The Valley.
