The Royal Anguilla Police Force will be observing its 49th Anniversary with a week of activities beginning on January 24 with a church service at the Church of God of Holiness on the Queen Elizabeth Avenue. The activities will culminate in a cocktail event at the Red Dragon Disco on Saturday, January 30.
Other highlights of Police Week 2021 will be the following: Monday, January 25: a radio address by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selaratnam, one of her first public engagements since arriving in Anguilla on January 14; a radio address by Premier Dr. Ellis Webster; a Health Fair at Police Headquarters; an evening Jam-Arobics event; and a radio address by the outgoing Commissioner of Police, Mr. Paul Morrison.
Tuesday, January 26: a pool competition at Police Headquarters;
Wednesday, January 27: a Food Fair at the People’s Market, beginning at 11.30 am;
Thursday, January 28: Senior Citizens’ Basket Distribution beginning at 10:00 am, followed in the evening by Karaoke and Domino games at Police Headquarters at 8:00 pm.
Friday, January 29: Bingo and Jackpot of US$4,900.00, at Police Headquarters, followed by an After Party event also at Police Headquarters.
Saturday, January 30, Kiddies Jamboree at Police Headquarters beginning at 10:00 am, to be followed at 7:30 pm by the Police Blazer and Cocktail at the Red Dragon Disco.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force grew out of the London Metropolitan Police Unit which was sent to Anguilla with a British invading Force, and Royal Engineers, in 1969.
An Anguilla Police Force was formally established in January 1972 under the command of the late Anguillian Col. Claudius Roberts who had previously served in a number of other Caribbean islands. Over the years other Anguillian Police Commissioners, who also served outside the island, were: the late Mr. Joseph Norris Payne; the late Mr.Elliott Richardson and the late Mr. Donald Connor. The truly home-grown Police Commissioners were: Mr. Mitchell Harrigan; Mr. Keithly Benjamin; and Mr. Rudolph Proctor.
They were followed by two British Commissioners: Mrs. Amanda Stewart who resigned after six weeks; and the present and outgoing Commissioner, Mr. Paul Morrison, who has served for the past five years.
A third and recently-appointed overseas Commissioner is Mr. David Lynch who is due to arrive in Anguilla at the end of this month. A British national, he is coming from St. Helena where he is currently the Chief of Police.
