On the evening of Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF) held its annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Royal Caribbean Hotel, as part of its Police Week 2024 celebrations, which was under the theme “Committed to Community Safety”. This year, the RAPF observed its 52nd anniversary.
Moderator for the gala event was Sgt. Jody-Ann Dunn. Prayer was offered by Pastor Shawn Lake, and welcome remarks by Acting Superintendent, Vydia Harrigan.
“I encourage each of our guests to take this opportunity to foster new friendships and strengthen the old ones,” Superintendent Harrigan said. “I trust that all my colleagues here would enjoy the company of our fellow officers and the community members who stand with us.”
“To the men and women who wear the Badge of Honor,” she said, “to their families who support them and to the community which we proudly serve, may tonight be our shared commitment to uphold the law and safeguard our society since we are ‘committed to community safety’. I wish you all a great night, and I thank you for the opportunity for us to do this together.”
Governor Julia Crouch offered a few thought provoking remarks. She said she realized that some people may ask why is there reason for a police party when a wave of serious crimes is on our hands. “Some might say, with the crime problems that we have at the moment, what are the police doing holding a children’s jamboree, what are they doing running a raffle, and what are we doing having a party?”
“But if one questions these things, I would suggest that you are wrong to ask such,” she opined, “because coming together with the community is the fundamental basis upon which our officers would most effectively police our island. The relationship of trust between the community and the police officers is absolutely essential.”
She said that she was grateful to all the police officers for playing their part in making it such a successful and fantastic Police Week.
“As we come to the end of Police Week,” she said, “I would like to thank all those who have been involved, recognizing that this is one small part of the work that you will do in the community to continue building that trustworthy relationship. I thank you all on behalf of everyone in the Governor’s Office and on behalf of the Government for all that you do.”
She particularly singled out, with thanks, Officer Janicia Herbert, who was careful to aptly host her at the senior citizen’s luncheon in The Square at the People’s Market in The Valley.
Commissioner Robert Clarke, during his address, also pointed out that the RAPF must develop an atmosphere of trust with the community and the Force must be seen as a part of the community which it serves. Personally, he further noted that being the Commissioner of the RAPF is the highpoint of his thirty-five-year policing career, and it has been his privilege to serve in this capacity in Anguilla over the past five and half months.
He thanked the Planning Committee for planning a successful Police Week and for working so diligently during the week itself towards making the special period so productive.
Chairman of the Police Week Committee is Sgt. Shem Wills. He was introduced by the Moderator as “the driving force behind Police Week”. In makings his remarks, he said that being the Chairman of Police Week comes with its own share of challenges.
“Nevertheless, I am happy and proud to report that the supportive resilient and industrious team, the role of Chairman became virtually effortless,” he recounted. “The theme for this year is ‘Committed to Community Safety’, and upon reflection, the theme is a very befitting one, given the current crime climate.”
“The focus of Police Week over the years has been to involve the community in activities to create and strengthen a much needed bond between the community and the police,” he noted. “The RAPF exists because the community exists. Therefore, the RAPF welcomes every opportunity that presents itself to build the public’s confidence and trust, and we are willing to provide that platform for interaction.”
Following a delectable dinner against the backdrop of fabulous music provided by Boss and the Horsepower Band, some twenty two officers were presented with awards for their bravery and stellar performance in their call of duty.
With regard to the annual jeep raffle, which the community looks forward to each year, Deputy Commissioner Forbes announced that due to unforeseen circumstances this year’s raffle has been postponed to March 31st, which means that members of the community still have an ample opportunity to purchase tickets.
The 2024 Police Week Dinner and Awards event culminated with dancing to Boss’s music. Persons had a ‘swell time’.
The Vote of Thanks was given by Sgt. Janicia Herbert.
