Celebrating its 49th anniversary under the theme: “A Safer Anguilla When We Work Together”, the Royal Anguilla Police Force began the observance of its 2021 Police Week with a heartwarming church service on Sunday, January 24th, at the Church of God (Holiness).
One outstanding feature, integrated in the service, was a condensed farewell ceremony for Commissioner of Police Mr. Paul Morrison, whose tenure of over five years comes to an end on January 30th, 2021. Apart from active officers, also attending the service were retired police officers and officers of Her Majesty’s Prison, as well as special constables.
The Church of God (Holiness) is well known for its spirited, well-organised worship segment. This session was conducted by Sister Mary Hughes, supported by the church’s four proficient musicians. Songs such as “At the Cross”, “What Can I Render” and “My Chains are Gone” were zestfully sung with the entire congregation being evidently inspired, including the officers, many of whom lustily sang along.
A Special plaque presentation was made to Commissioner Morrison, by Mrs. Verilyn Mason, on behalf of the church. In delivering the token of gratitude, She said: “In the words of Douglas McArthur, ‘A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others’… Commissioner, I take this pleasure to present you with this plaque as a token of our appreciation for your hard work and service to the people and island of Anguilla.”
Then Mrs. Lakeisha Benn made the Commissioner a presentation on behalf of the wives of male police officers. In doing so, she said: “Commissioner Morrison, on behalf of the wives of police officers, we would like to thank you for your dedication. You have done a tremendous job among us and we have witnessed much improvement attributed to your service.”
Mr. Joshua Gumbs is one of the special constables of the force, who was recently assigned to border protection in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is the son of resident minister, Pastor Philip Gumbs, and he voluntarily crafted a great message of thanks and commendation to Commissioner Morrison, which he presented during the service.
Joshua’s message which describes his view of the service rendered by the Commissioner read in part: “As dawn went, and evening came, you carried our nation on your back. You committed these years to our country and served with excellence, diligence, humility, wisdom, and boldness…Murder and theft rates have been reduced; and more drugs and ammunition have been found. New methods and tactics in the way law enforcement approaches, and searches, individuals have met with success.
“In order to carry out the safety of firearms, officers must not only be trained but trusted… Mr. Morrison, you have brought change — and you have shed light on issues which have been long overlooked. I, along with the Church of God (Holiness), civilians of Anguilla, and Special Constable Forces of Anguilla, would like to sincerely thank you for your time served and your sacrifices given…”
Prior to the sermon, another young member of the congregation, Mr. Tre McDowall, delivered a stunning testimony in which he endeavoured to explain the misery and hardship he endured as a result of his reveling and defiant behaviour before he was converted to the Christian faith.
The Pastor, while commending the entire force, and congratulating the officers for launching another Police Week, made mention of the fact that Commissioner Paul Morrison had served with devotion. He remarked that he had done much for Anguilla through the service he rendered. “I have come to appreciate him,” he said. “He is just a friendly person, full of life and sincerity. Our times of contact had been occasions that were very meaningful and engaging.”
The text for the Pastor’s sermon was taken from Romans 13:5 which says: “Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.” With this message, he was continuing to preach on a series entitled: “We Follow Christ”, and as a supportive reference he used another scripture from St. John 6: 66-69, which reads: “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”
“Your life is determined by who you follow,” the Pastor preached. “You cannot follow without being changed. You can tell the boys who are following certain types of company. You can tell when marijuana is a part of their lives. Or, when girls are following the wrong company their dress styles change, and you can tell. You can tell when a married man begins to follow the wrong company. He stays out late at nights and his wife becomes so concerned. You can tell who one follows by the way he or she lives.”
Then in sombre tone he admonished: “I encourage you today, everyone, to follow Jesus Christ. It is not just something in a book, or something in a song, but following Christ is Life,” he said.
The service closed with the song “I Live for Him”. The profound words of that refrain were: “I’ll live for Him who died for me, How happy then my life shall be! I’ll live for Him who died for me, My Savior and my God!”
When the service was over, many expressed their satisfaction with the blessings they had received. To crown off the Sunday service, the Royal Anguilla Police Band performed a spectacular march pass to the tune of “Onward Christian Soldiers”. The exquisite street parade took place before an admirable crowd of spectators from the congregation.
Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
