The newly appointed Governor of Anguilla, Ms Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratna, delivered an address on Sunday January 24, at the start of Police Week 2021. The full text is as follows:
“I am delighted to be able to speak today to launch the start of Police Week 2021.
“I would like to start by commending Commissioner of Police, Paul Morrison, for the work he has done with the force over the past 5 years. Anguilla’s crime statistics in many areas are showing a reduction in crime, and increases in detection, which can be attributed to the overall professional development of the force under Commissioner Morrison’s leadership. I wish him well as he departs our shores and thank him for his commendable public service as Anguilla’s Commissioner of Police.
“The theme of Police week this year is “A safer Anguilla when we all work together”. This is a very fitting theme building on the many instances, particularly in recent times, when co-operation has been and continues to be of vital importance.
“In 2020, additional work of protecting Anguilla’s borders, brought about by the global pandemic, became one of the Royal Anguilla Police Force’s biggest challenges, requiring the enforcement of restrictions never before placed on the public in peacetime.
“Nearly 10 months on, it is commendable to see how the police stood up to the task. The Royal Anguilla Police Force embraced the idea of co-operation, working together with local airlines and boats to patrol the waters that surround Anguilla. The work that was done to deter and turn back those who wished to enter illegally was, and is, a matter of national security. Had these people been given the opportunity to enter the island illegally, firearms, illicit drugs and of course Covid-19 may have entered too.
“To ensure resilience, the training and deployment of more than 40 private citizens as Special Constables is another example of how this police force has embraced co-operation with people outside of the force. The Special Constables have worked hand in hand with the force on the border patrols and continue to ensure that people in quarantine are respecting the protocol put in place to protect Anguillians from community spread of the Covid-19 virus. Protecting the health of the nation continues to be a collaborative effort, and the vaccine roll-out will be a key next step in protecting our shores and enabling economic recovery.
“Like everywhere in the world, the police play a key role in building a safer, more secure society. Anguillians enjoy a relatively safe and secure lifestyle when we compare our crime rates with neighbouring islands and this safe reputation underpins our attraction as a tourist destination. That does not mean, however, that we can let ourselves become complacent. The threats we face in tackling gun crime, violence and maintaining secure borders, and with that human trafficking and the illegal entry of drugs and firearms, are all challenges that cannot be given anything other than our full attention. This work does not fall on the Royal Anguilla Police Force alone, everyone must play a part and not hesitate to report crime and work co-operatively with the police.
“Each day a police officer puts on their uniform not knowing what their shift may present. The ability to adapt and be agile in reacting to evolving situations, building relationships and instilling trust are all key skills in the art of effective policing. It is a rewarding career, of purpose and pride, and we owe a debt of gratitude to each individual police officer for the role they play as guardians of our public safety.
“As Governor with responsibility for the police, I look forward to working closely with the Royal Anguilla Police Force as they strategically map out plans for developing police governance, and accountability, to deliver sustainable improvements in service and resilience to meet emerging challenges and expectations of policing.
“Although quarantine will keep me from enjoying the Police Week activities, I encourage others to enjoy the community spirit on offer. It is wonderful to see a force committed to a such a strong, professional and close relationship with the people it serves.
“We pray for God’s continued protection over the men and women of the Royal Anguilla Police Force as they work together to keep our shores and the streets of our communities safe and free of crime.”
