The Optimist Club of Anguilla celebrated its annual Respect for Law Week from 26th to 30th May 2008. The focus of this year’s activities was the recognition of persons working in law enforcement as well as those concerned in the administration of justice.

L-R: Chanelle Petty-Barrett, Allan Carty, Comm. Keithly Benjamin, Marva Brooks and Vernette Richardson

This year, the Club took the opportunity to pay tribute to, publicly recognise and thank four officers of the Royal Anguilla Police Force for their hard work and dedicated service to the community. The four officers whose achievements were highlighted using various media houses were Superintendent Carl Ruan, a long-serving veteran police officer who has recently retired, Inspector Alan Carty a highly trained and seasoned officer, Sergeant Marva Brooks a well respected and charismatic officer and Constable Shawn Lake a young energetic officer, best known for his involvement in the DARE programme.

Vernette Richardson (right) makes presentation to Prison Officers L-R: Conrad Gumbs, Allister Richardson and Nigel Webster

Also featured during Respect for Law Week was the work of the Department of Probation. Information about the workings of the probation system was disseminated. It is the hope of the Optimist Club that through this information-sharing exercise, members of the public would have a better understanding of and therefore be more receptive to the concept of community sentencing and how it can be used to positively change offending behaviour.

Justice Janice George-Creque receives plaque from Chanelle Petty-Barrett

Vernette Richardson makes presentation to Commissioner of Police, Keithly Benjamin

Additionally, in observance of the week, the Optimist Club presented recognition awards to persons who play a role in the administration of justice. Award recipients included Her Ladyship Madam Justice Janice George-Creque, Her Worship the Magistrate Mrs Birnie Stephenson-Brooks, the Commissioner of Police and other ranks of the Royal Anguilla Police Force and the Superintendent and other officers of Her Majesty’s Prison. The award recipients were pleasantly surprised by and appreciative of the kind gesture on the part of the Optimist Club. In particular Prison Superintendent Conrad Gumbs indicated that he was touched by the Optimist Club’s recognition of the hard work of prison officers whose job is a thankless one which persons often take for granted.

Chanelle Petty-Barrett makes presentation to Magistrate Bernie Stephenson

Through its activities over the course of the week, the aim of the Optimist Club was to bring greater public awareness of and appreciation for the role various agencies play in ensuring the safety of our community and the proper functioning of the legal system. Once again, the Club wishes to publicly thank on its own behalf and on behalf of the people of Anguilla, all those persons who work tirelessly to keep the wheels of justice turning.

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