Paul Candler
The Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF) has deployed a new initiative – a forensics strategy – following several recent shooting incidents around the island.
Police Commissioner Robert Clark made the disclosure at a joint Press Briefing called on Tuesday 25th July, 2023, by Interim Governor, His Excellency Paul Candler, and himself, to give the public an update on the recent gun-related crime.
On Thursday 20th July, the island was alarmed by yet another shooting incident – this one on the beach in the West End area in proximity to the Four Seasons Resort. This was the most recent gun-related crime in a spate of shootings that has affected the island.
“Last week’s shooting was particularly deplorable in that it happened in broad day light,” Mr. Candler said. “What I did immediately after, once I had been briefed by the police, was to call a meeting with the National Security Council on Friday morning. This meeting was quite helpful in that it provided me with an update from Acting Police Commissioner, Mr. Elliot Forbes. Immediately following that meeting, I met with the Acting Premier, Mr. Kenneth Hodge, and a group of church leaders.”
He said that the discussions were fruitful, and they particularly highlighted the fact that gun crime has no place in Anguilla, as Anguillian are, by virtue, an extremely peaceful people who stand against all forms of violence.
“But gun violence here has a lot of roots and dimensions to it,” Mr. Candler observed. “In meeting with the religious group, we had a long discussion about the way society is changing in the Caribbean and all around the world, for that matter.”
However, he said that the discussions centered around what could be done to deter young people from harmful gang cultures and criminal violence. He noted that conversations were held concerning what specific steps should be taken by the churches to address young people where they are. And, the Acting Governor also said that, in discussions with the churches, ways on how the public can confidentially reach out to the police with pertinent information on gun crime were outlined.
“I continue to encourage the public to share information as freely and confidently as they can with the police,” His Excellency said. “We want to do everything that we can do to catch those responsible for gun crimes and prevent such incidences from being repeated.”
Commissioner Clark said that between July 6th and 20th there had been three [non-fatal] shootings on the island.
‘I would like to give reassurance to the community that we are doing what we can to fight these crimes,” he said. “Between July 6th and this morning (July 25th) the Royal Anguilla Police Force has made seven arrests in respect of those shootings.”
“In addition,” he said, “during this period we have executed nine search warrants at a number of locations. Today, I conducted a review in relation to each shooting with respect to the actions that we will take. I am confident that my Criminal Investigation Department is making every effort to find those responsible for these crimes.”
The Commissioner said that at the moment the RAPF has deployed a forensics strategy.
“Our work largely depends upon information…The strategy that I will employ as we move forward,” he said, “is found in the PIER Principle.”
“First, it is about the Protection of the public. The police presence around the island was substantially increased after the July 20th shooting…The second element is about Information. We have developed a way that the community can feel confident in coming forward to speak to us through our website portal in California. This is a completely confidential reporting portal.
“Next, is in the area of Enforcement. This is literally taking action to hold culprits accountable. Between the month of January and July 25th, we have conducted over thirty warranted searches; we have recovered seven weapons, and we have arrested twenty persons in respect of suspicions of gun crime. We have consequently charged fourteen persons with firearms-related offences.
“The final element of the PIER Principle is Reassurance. It is about me being open and transparent with the press and the public. I want to assure everyone that we are doing something about these callous crimes. I want the island to be reassured about that,” the Commissioner said.
Both Mr. Candler and Mr. Clark denounced the reckless nature of the July 20th shooting, both in relation to the number of shots that were fired and the fact that such callous acts have the potential to affect the island’s tourism industry.
