Chief Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Osbourne Fleming, said the Royal Anguilla Police Force was continuing to face daunting challenges. He defined the role of the police as including upholding the law fairly and firmly; preventing crime; pursuing and bringing to justice those who break the law; generally keeping the peace and, not least of all, protecting, helping and reassuring the community.

Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming

“Officers must be seen to do all these things with integrity, commonsense and sound judgment,” the Chief Minister stated in a radio broadcast as one of the current activities commemorating the 37th Anniversary of the Royal Anguilla Police Force. He called on Commissioner Keithly Benjamin “to take steps to ensure that morale is restored” in the law enforcement body.

Mr. Fleming continued: “The theme for Police Week this year speaks to ‘Combining Efforts to Combat Crime in 2009’. This theme recognises the need for more community involvement in the crime-fighting process, be it at the level of parent, teenager, church or community group, civil society, the business sector or the public in general. I am confident that increased support from the community will go a long way in assisting the Royal Anguilla Police Force with their task of maintaining law and order. I must place on record our appreciation for the tireless efforts of our police officers in crime mitigation and prevention in 2008.

“Government will continue to play its part by providing the Force, where possible, with the necessary resources in terms of manpower, equipment and training.

“The activities this week provide many opportunities – among them social and cultural- for the police officers to interact with the community they serve. I therefore encourage the general public to come out and support the anniversary celebrations.”

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