Sunday, January 24, saw the opening of Police Week, 2022, under the theme, “Making a Difference – Fifty Years of Service to the Community”. In observance of their 50th anniversary, members of the Royal Anguilla Police Force attended a church service at the St. Augustine’s Anglican Church to invoke God’s guidance upon their tasks, and to give Him thanks for another year.
Canon Reid Simon, the priest in charge, gave the visiting officers a cordial welcome and words of blessing: “Today I would like to extend a warm welcome to one and all, sharing this act of worship on the day when we observe the third Sunday of the Epiphany — the manifestation of our Lord, Jesus Christ. A very special welcome is extended to the members of the Royal Anguilla Police Force.
“We pray that as you begin to celebrate Police Week, this week, that God through Christ would be with you. We pray a very special blessing upon you as you discharge your duties, serving and protecting the citizenry of this dear land. We pray that God would continue to be with you and your families, and strengthen you in the trying and difficult moments of your lives and your vocation.”
The first and second scripture readings from portions of Nehemiah Chapter 8, and 1st Corinthians Chapter 12:12-31, were presented by Police Constables Janicia Carty-Herbert and Sharnice Bryson respectively. One outstanding feature, by another female officer, was the singing of Beyonce’s song, “Stand Up for Life”, tremendously rendered by Jenique Nedd. The song portrays the message that if we would all reach out to people who reach out to us, instead of pretending we don’t see them, then hopelessness and suffering will be dissipated and no child would be left behind.
In his sermon, Rev. Simon focused on justice as a theme. His scripture reference was Luke 4:18, which states: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
“To set the oppressed free,” the preacher pondered. “What comes to mind now is authorities putting their knees on the oppressed necks. (He spoke figuratively). The oppressed are people who are marginalised; people who are rejected; people who are on the fringes.” Then in a solemn, mellow tone, he pleaded, “Police, do not put your knee on anyone’s neck. But be just in your dealings. Be honest. Apply the law fairly.”
He then hastened to tell a dramatic story based upon his own experience:
He said when he was only 18, in his native island of Antigua, he was walking through the town one day carrying a bag on his shoulder, bearing the markings of the “Grateful Dead”. His arms were loaded with friendship bands, and he related how a police officer stopped him and, perhaps not knowing what “Gratful Dead” meant, he asked him what he was carrying in his bag. After some thought, he said, he asked the cop, “Why do you want to know what’s in my bag?” The officer responded, ‘”Look! I am the law and you must do what I say!”’
“He pushed this little boy from Bolands up against a wall. He pressed my body against the wall,” the preacher reflected, “and he searched my bag. But all he found was my camera and a book by named Matarese Circle by Robert Ludlum. He then dropped my bag to the ground.”
He said that immediately he went to the police station to make a complaint. “But because I could not afford a lawyer like Astaphan, the sergeant at the desk just dismissed me with a wave of his hand because I am just a little boy from Bolands.”
He went on: “Officers, you are in a position where you have the power, yes, but do not abuse your power. Be honest with whomever you encounter. There is the Letter of the Law and the Spirit the Law,” he said. “I am not asking you to abnegate your responsibilities or try to make friends with everybody. But be just in your dealings and to remember the grace which Jesus Christ has for you. When you remember that grace, you should be able to practise such grace with others.”
Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, delivered remarks at the service. She said, in part: “As Governor, it is indeed an honour to participate in the celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Anguilla Police Force. For half a century, the Royal Anguilla Police Force has been a constant presence as guardians of our public safety, protecting the citizens of Anguilla and maintaining the security of our shores.
“The theme of Police Week this year is ‘Making a Difference: Fifty Years of Service to the Community’. Whether out on the streets, working face to face with the communities they serve, or behind the scenes delivering a range of special services, the collective efforts of the rank and file of the RAPF continue to make a difference. It is important to recognise that it is not an easy task. Officers often face conflict and danger in carrying out their duties, but it is a rewarding career and when I speak to individual officers, it is clear that it is a career of purpose and pride…
“To each past and present member of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, I would like to say congratulations on this momentous anniversary, and thank you for your service and for the support of your families. And we pray for God’s continued protection as we work together in keeping Anguilla’s communities safe.”
Commissioner of Police, Mr. David Lynch, in his remarks said, in part: “Welcome to the church service to celebrate the Royal Anguilla Police Force’s Police Week, as we observe our 50th anniversary of the creation of the RAPF which was on the 28th of January 1972. I thank you all for being here for today’s service, and I want to give a very special welcome to all the retired former police officers who are present.
“I sometimes hear negative, hurtful, comments by a minority of people about the Royal Anguilla Police Force. But the longer I work as Commissioner of Police, and the more I meet the kind people of Anguilla, I find a different story. I find there is real respect for the police and gratitude for the officers as a gift to this island. The RAPF has a real and special determination to protect the people of Anguilla, and to go at times ‘where angels fear to tread’. This should be celebrated.
“During this Police Week, we will focus on celebrating this special determination, as we serve and protect the people of Anguilla. As we celebrate, I would desire that all past and present police officers get even closer to the people of the communities that we serve. I trust that you would have a wonderful time as you celebrate with your family and friends. You should be proud of what you had achieved and the differences that you have made in your service to the people of this island.”
Canon Simon then offered a special prayer for the protection of the officers and their families.
After the service, a brief march past took place on the grounds of the church, and refreshments were served to the officers and visitors.
