In expressing support for the work of the Royal Anguilla Police Force on its 47th Anniversary, Pastor Carl Richardson, of the Christian Fellow Church, welcomed Commissioner Paul Morrison, other ranks of the Force and Government officials to what he termed: “The Tribe of Judah”. He was referring to the Christian Fellowship Church where a very rousing Police Anniversary Service was held on Sunday, January 27.
Speaking on the topic: “That they may be Saved”, a quote from the Apostle Paul, the influential Pastor made passing reference to crime and violence in Anguilla and the need for an end to the situation. “How many of us would like to see the day when there will be no violence in the land of the nation we love?” he inquired, adding that the Scripture “teaches that salvation brings an end to violence” and that this is necessary for peace and prosperity. He stressed that it was only when families were personally affected by violence that persons show a caring attitude. “The Scripture teaches that we must care for our fellowmen and God has anointed us to be our brother’s keeper,” he stated.
Pastor Richardson continued: “It is commendable that the Royal Anguilla Police should think it necessary to show sorrow and remorse over the passing of one of our citizens because God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone.” He was referring to the recent police shooting, and subsequent death, of Romaldo Richardson of The Cove – an incident now being investigated by an external and independent police commission.
He went on: “I submit to the Royal Anguilla Police Force that you were not called and chosen to be instruments of punitive enforcement…Together you must actively transform policing in Anguilla to a Force that places priority on engagement and satisfaction. You must work to shift the paradigm of enforcement, the core of your work, to that which embraces community engagement, mentoring, harm reduction…and connecting our citizens to the resources that are needed. It also requires that you partner with faith-based organizations, such as the church…Our desire is that our communities will be bound together in love and peace; that people will learn to dwell together in harmony; that they will learn to walk the streets unafraid; that they will feel safe within their borders and their homes.”
In concluding his sermon, he asked the police officers to stand for the congregation to salute them for their work. “This is just to let you know that you are not alone,” his voice rang out over the musical fanfare. “People think that in our praise to God we are just making noise but, truth be told, we are a warfare people and have access to God…We are committed to stand with, and work with, the Royal Anguilla Police Force which I now introduce to the Tribe of Judah, the people of God.”
Earlier in the service, Commissioner Morrison expressed heartfelt sympathy to the family of the late Romaldo Richardson who was unfortunately shot by the police on January 20 and died on January 25. “I want to assure them, and all the communities of Anguilla, that the circumstances leading to his death are under an independent investigation commanded by the Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. We need to allow that investigation process to run its course before we jump to any conclusion. We are fully cooperating with the investigative team…We must not let one incident define the Royal Anguilla Police Force…The new policies and procedures for the Force are all directed at accountability, openness, transparency and developing the officers so that we can deliver the best service we can.”
The Commissioner took the opportunity to speak on various other matters relating to the work of the police – and the public support and confidence required to assist them in the proper discharge of their duties.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force was joined at the Anniversary Service by a contingent of the Voluntary Corps of Dutch St. Maarten, under the leadership of Commandant Antonio Rogers. A March Past, in front the church building, on the Blowing Point Road, climaxed the event.
