The Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF) held a special luncheon on Wednesday 10th July for His Excellency Alistair Harrison who has served a little over four years as Governor of Anguilla.
His Excellency who is also responsible for the RAPF was presented with a plaque for his sterling contribution and support to the Force. Commissioner Proctor said:
“Your Excellency, through my three years as Commissioner of Police, I have felt the support that you have given to me personally and to the Force during this period. I also can go back during the period when my predecessor was Commissioner. You have always given your support and assistance to the Police Force,”
The Commissioner also alluded to the difficult period in 2012 when the island was experiencing a surge in gun violence: “There were some difficult times in which crime and violence emerged at a scale to which no one expected…It called for resilience, taking tough decisions, standing up to principles in which we stood for, and it also needed the support of those who were responsible for the Police Force. And I can safely say, Your Excellency, that you have stood by us and demonstrated your commitment to the people of Anguilla, and to your responsibility for law and order and security to the community, and I say thank you.”
Mr Proctor pointed out that despite the many criticisms from the public, the Force stuck to its task and was able to achieve a number of successes. He observed: “When I made my presentations you were in our corner that convinced others; and I am proud that the men and women in our Force were able to pursue those criminals. I can remember out of five murders we were able to bring four of those murders to a resolution.
“But, again, one could never stand here and take lightly to what His Excellency has made to ensure the police carried out their duties. He provided the financial support for some of the training courses and conferences, and the moral support that I needed as Commissioner.”
The Commissioner wished His Excellency and his family all the best in their future endeavors. And Governor Harrison expressed thanks to members of the Royal Anguilla Police for their personal support: “We’ve had exemplary guarding of the residence through my years, and on occasions it was strengthened especially in 2012 when attacks were made against me …It was reassuring to see Sergeant Best from the Task Force to give us that safe reassurance.”
Governor Harrison expressed thanks to the Commissioner and rank and file of the Force for their spectacular success in solving four out of five murders.
He also commended the Government Ministers for stepping up to the plate and agreeing to make more funding and manpower available to the RAPF particularly in 2012.
Governor Harrison said no police force could operate without the help of the people, and used the opportunity to make an appeal for those persons who may still have any information relating to the death of Gustav Hodge, or any other crime, to report it to the police.
He remarked that there will always be challenges in the fight against crime and expressed the view that the Force will continue to receive support from the new Governor, Ms Christina Scot, and future Governors.
Mr Harrison also said the Force will continue to receive the support from the FCO and the OTs Law Enforcement Adviser Larry Covington.
His Excellency and his family left the island, without any formal farewell, on Thursday afternoon via the Blowing Point Ferry.
