Police Commissioner in Anguilla, Keithly Benjamin, has delivered a post Summer Festival radio address in which he strongly condemned the gang violence during Last Lap on Saturday, August 9, which led to the stabbing death of Orlando Johnson and injury to other persons.

Commissioner Keithly Benjamin

In his address on Monday, August 11, Mr. Benjamin said “it was very disappointing that what was generally a peaceful 2008 Summer Festival was marred by such tragic incidents particularly during last lap which led to the senseless and heinous death of Orlando Johnson.” He also condemned the stabbing of Kareem Lake and the wounding of Rose Richardson. In addition, he regretted the unrelated road fatality which took the life of Clinton Richardson (Rock).
The Police Commissioner continued: “The reckless and irresponsible behaviour by persons allegedly from the Valley, South Hill and Blowing Point displayed during last lap can only be described as outright stupidity and must not be condoned by the hundreds of persons who witnessed the chaos. Anyone who witnessed persons throwing stones and bottles from the rooftop of Mogees or anywhere else, endangering the lives of so many innocent persons or the stabbing of the two victims regardless of where they are from, and failed to contribute to them accounting for their reckless, devious and dangerous acts will be just as cold-blooded as those who did the stabbing, and are in hiding.
“We have among us some misguided youngsters whose only purpose is to unleash their fury on anyone in the lined of fire as was the case during last lap. While there will always be a degree of loyalty by parents, who are very often in denial about their children, the others …who saw wrong must stand up for a principle so that some corrective measures can be taken to assist both parent and child in denial.
“The parents of Orlando and Kareem are the victims now…and we are fortunate that we were spared. If this incident does not allow you to denounce what happened and assist us in building a strong case against the guilty ones, then you should stop asking what this country is coming to or what anyone is doing to curb the violence when you are doing everything you can to ensure that it continues. Everyone wants the perpetrators off the streets and locked away but no one wants to be involved.”
Mr. Benjamin made the point that the police could only be successful in controlling crime and bringing those committing them to justice with the cooperation of members of the public. He argued that for too long persons had been hiding behind their perception that the police were not confidential thus withholding information while the criminals roamed free and the social fabric of the island was being eroded. He noted that while persons were calling for lawmen to be brought in from outside to deal with crime, the solution was right on Anguilla if people with information were to pass it on to the police.
He complained that the police had not received all the required information from witnesses of the last lap violence. “Whatever little evidence we have against the persons who were arrested, I am making it emphatically clear that we will go to court and will fight with what we have because that will be the strength of the case you allowed us to have,” Mr. Benjamin stated in his radio address. “We will not resort to illegal measures because there is no reason to do so. We will continue to pursue our mandate despite the challenges experienced during the last lap when one of our police officers also sustained an injury. I commend her resilience and commitment to duty in pursuing those responsible despite the pain suffered.
“Our mandate involves putting our lives on the line which was clear to all during the mayhem. Unfortunately it is very disturbing and disheartening to hear the criticism meted out in trying to protect you. Further, the disrespect shown to those recruited from overseas when Anguillians continue to refuse to join the Royal Anguilla Police Force. I will be the first to admit that some of the officers from overseas can raise their standard and contribute more, but similarly some work twice as hard as some Anguillian officers for your safety.”
Mr. Benjamin addressed a claim being made by persons that the police turned back the Valley group from going to Sandy Ground. “I will reiterate a statement from the opening night address [at the Summer Festival] that everyone is free to move around this country as they see fit and when that freedom is disturbed, those responsible must be held accountable,” he went on. “This includes the members of the Royal Anguilla Police Force because we cannot arbitrarily disturb your right to free movement. I have sought to ascertain whether members acted in the manner alleged and to date it is not substantiated that they did. The allegation is disturbing because we promised that everyone would have participated in the island-wide celebration. I am still willing to entertain anyone who can lend support for or against the allegation on the part of the police to address it internally.
“Whatever led to the Valley group turning back from Water Swamp is no justification for what happened during last lap. The violence during last lap was an opportunity lost to prove to the youngsters from South Hill and Blowing Point that they had nothing to fear in coming to the Valley and that the stupidity which caused them to fight will not be prolonged. Instead, their premeditated actions have dampened what was until then a relatively peaceful Summer Festival.”
The rest of the Commissioner’s address is as follows:
“I am aware that many suggestions are being made regarding changing the programme for carnival which will be addressed at the appropriate time. I am of the view if you do not condone the violent behaviour and contribute towards workable solutions, the persons responsible will find other ways to dispense their vicious and violent intentions whether there is carnival or not.
“I trust the death of Orlando, the stabbing of Kareem and also the [unrelated] death of Clinton Richardson will be lessons for all the participants of what the outcome will be should you continue to engage in such behaviour. I urge the various factions not to resort to retaliatory measures which may lead to further loss of life. The size of our island requires that we live harmoniously because it is difficult to avoid each other. You cannot bring back Orlando but you can learn from the circumstances that caused his death.
“You can now be that voice for him to make sure that the person in custody who will be charged for causing his death will never be able to live among us freely and is punished for his actions.
“I extend my profound sympathy to the family of Orlando during this period as I seek to reassure you that the perpetrator will be held accountable. Similarly, I extend my condolences to the family of Clinton Richardson as they mourn his loss and wish the other victims and family of Kareem and Rose a speedy recovery.
“Finally, I cannot over emphasise that your failure to support us is a contribution to your demise and the demise of our country. The persons responsible [who wore blue and red shirts during last lap] are few in number and know of no reason why they are engaged in violence. Let us all commit to addressing the problems ands render help where it is meaningful. Let us hold the guilty ones accountable. This is a partnership and we will do our part. We look forward to your support.”
not have a place at a boat race or on the beach. These performers, would be better suited to the Landsome Bowl for evening performances when there should be fewer children around. We must encourage the boat races and the crews by having everyone on the beach showing some support for the main event instead of having half the people ‘whining’ on the stage. Most times the winning boats come in and there is not even a shout or show of enthusiasm of any kind.
Let us return to the Anguilla Boat Race culture and leave the reggae music for other occasions. Remember, no boat race, no August Monday!

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