A Formal Appointment Ceremony for Anguilla’s new Police Commissioner, Mr. Robert Muir Clark, was held at Government House in Old Ta on Tuesday morning, May 2nd, 2023.
Commissioner Clark has replaced Commissioner David Lynch, who has served in the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF) for two years, and has returned to the UK after his stint of service here.
Speaking on behalf of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, Acting Superintendent Shem Wills welcomed Government dignitaries, judicial personnel, heads of departments and statutory bodies, fellow rank and file officers of the RAPF and specially invited guests to the ceremony.
Canon Reid Simon prayed for the officers who have the responsibility to ensure that the element of law and order is maintained in the society. In particular, he prayed that Mr. Clarke would demonstrate wisdom and insight in his tasks and that his work will be carried out with a sense of understanding.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Elliott Forbes, told Commissioner Clarke that he had adopted a mighty team in the Royal Anguilla Police Force.
“In adopting this mighty team, you have also adopted a community that supports us,” he said. “Therefore, you are starting at a very good position with two positives. I trust that you will enjoy your work and your stay with the RAPF, as well all work together as a team, since no man is an island.”
Following the Transfer of Command, presided over by Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Commissioner Clarke was officially welcomed as Commissioner of Police by Deputy Commissioner Forbes as well as by Acting Superintendent Wills.
He expressed his appreciation for his appointment as Police Commissioner of Anguilla, and noted that it was the best part of his policing career.
“I thank the Governor, the Premier and the people of Anguilla for putting their trust in me as the Commissioner of Police,” he said. “This is the highlight of my thirty-three years in my policing career so far – to have reached this high office – and I am deeply humbled with this opportunity that has been given to me today.”
“I pledge to work in partnership with all the communities and our partners, statutory, voluntary, or business, and to build a service where the communities have the confidence in the Force and a safer feeling because of what Team RAPF delivers on a day-in day-out basis,” he solemnly stated.
“I have only been here on the island for two days, but I have been struck by the warmth of welcome, and by the knowledge of some of the officers who I have met. So, I know that the foundation for great service already exists.”
“I want communities to see that the RAPF is a force which is victim-focused. I want communities to see that the RAPF is visible and accessible to all those who need our help, Commissioner Clark said. “We want the communities to see that we are actually responsive to their needs – needs that we need to address.”
“I am proud to be your Commissioner,” he told Police members present. “I assure you that I will work with you, and I will work for you to ensure that we have the resources that we need to deliver a safe, engaged and confident community.”
“Commissioner Clark during our interview, there were four issues that I raised with you: 1. Community policing; 2. Traffic regulations and enforcement; 3. Guns and gang violence; and 4 Morale of the Anguilla Police Force,” the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis L. Webster said in his welcome remarks.
“I think you have come into a ‘baptism by fire’, for over the past two days we have experienced two incidences of discharge of firearms,” he said. “You did commit to giving your full attention to each of these issues, and certainly we will hold you to it.”
“The Royal Anguilla Police Force has existed for over fifty years,” the Premier added, “and certainly it has done yeoman’s service in serving and protecting the people of Anguilla. Now, you are taking on this Force which is our pride and joy. As the head of this service, I hope that you would understand that and adopt it…I welcome you, and I thank you for your commitment.”
Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, who will soon be leaving Anguilla to take up duties in the Turks and Caicos Islands, not only welcomed the new Commissioner, but also thanked Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Forbes for his dedicated service.
“I would like to give thanks to the Deputy Commissioner Forbes,” she said. “for his stellar service and continued diligent efforts in respect of leading the Royal Anguilla Police Force and for keeping us safe.”
“I have had an immense privilege to work with the Royal Anguilla Police Force while being here as Governor of Anguilla,” she said. “Looking at where we are now as an Island, while we are peaceful and beautiful, the last two days have shown [two gun-related incidents] that we are also living in sobering times.”
“The relationship of the RAPF and the communities they serve is of critical importance now more than ever. It was therefore with great care I approached the task of recruiting the new Commissioner of Police,” Her Excellency said. “He underwent a robust series of interviews because it mattered. I wanted to ensure that we had someone who could support the RAPF in their operational policing duties, and also support the communities in keeping us safe.”
“I am delighted to welcome you Commissioner Clark, to you new role and to Anguilla. Your dedicated and diligent public service over the last thirty years is a strong testament to the public service that I know you will dutifully deliver as Commissioner of Police,” she said.
“I am so sad that I will not get to work with you, but I hope to maximize my opportunity during this last month that still I have left here,” Her Excellency said in an emotional tone.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Police Officer, Vidia Harrigan.
