In his presentation of the 2024 National Budget, dubbed Anguilla’s Blueprint, the Honourable Premier Dr. Ellis L. Webster has made provision for ways and means to prevail in the fight against gun-related crime. During the presentation on Friday, December 15th in the Anguilla House of Assembly, he put forward his plan for Government’s fight against crime, and gun-related violence in particular.
“We are building a safer Anguilla,” the Premier said. “We are making strategic investments in safety, crime prevention, and community security. It is our priority to address the challenges that threaten the peace and civility of our beloved island.”
“In recent times we have witnessed a tremendous uptick in gun-related crimes,” he noted. “This trend undermines the tranquility and safety of our communities. To combat this [vice], our government is committed to significantly enhancing the capabilities of the Royal Anguilla Police Force.”
He referred to a recent report from the Gun Crime and Violence Committee which made several recommendations. “We have listened to these recommendations,” he said, “and have urgently taken heed.”
“In [next] year’s budget,” he pledged, “we are allocating substantial resources to strengthen our police force. We plan to increase the number of constables and sergeants in the RAPF, thereby augmenting frontline defense against crime…This expansion will enable more effective patrolling, quicker response times and a greater presence of officers in the communities, thus sending a clear message that we are resolute in maintaining law and order.”
The Premier emphasized that the strategy his government is implementing goes beyond increasing manpower. “We recognize the critical role of technology in modern policing,” he said, “and therefore, funds are earmarked in our capital budget for the deployment of advanced Close Circuit TV systems across key locations in Anguilla.”
He said that the state of the art CCTV will act as a surveillance tool and will serve as an indispensible asset for crime prevention and investigation, thus providing the RAPF with enhanced capabilities to monitor activities, to gather evidence and swiftly respond to criminal incidents. “It is time for CCTV,” the Premier opined.
“In addition to manpower and technology,” he continued, “we are also investing in training and development programmes for our police officers. This will ensure that they are not only well equipped but that they will be skilled in dealing with the complexities of modern policing, especially in addressing gun-related crimes.”
He said that the aim of the Government is to enhance the police force [presently] under the leadership of Commissioner Robert Clarke – a force that is not only robust in numbers but exemplary in professionalism and effectiveness.
