Tragedy struck Anguilla early on Wednesday morning this week when a member of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, a national of Dominica, was killed in an accident on the Shoal Bay to Island Harbour road.

The Late Officer's car

“It is with regret that we have to report that we have recorded our second road fatality for 2009 which left the members of the Royal Anguilla Police Force mourning the loss of Police Constable Alden Matthew who completed two years service on May 6, 2009,” Commissioner of Police , Keithly Benjamin, told reporters later in the day.

“Constable Matthew died following a motor vehicle accident on the Shoal Bay to Island Harbour main road between 7 and 7:30 this morning. There was another vehicle involved in the accident. It was driven by Mckeon Roberts, also a native of Dominica, residing at Island Harbour. Roberts sustained minor injuries.

“Preliminary inquires revealed that both vehicles were travelling in the same direction when the accident occurred, which resulted in Constable Matthew being thrown out of his vehicle.” The cars were travelling to Island Harbour. The one driven by Roberts was found overturned.

The Police Commissioner, who stated that investigations were continuing, said Matthew’s death was a tragedy for the Force. He, however, assured the general public that the police service to the people of Anguilla would continue to be delivered at a high standard despite the period of bereavement.

The car driven by Mckeon Roberts

Mr. Benjamin extended his appreciation to all persons who called to express their sympathy and support for the Royal Anguilla Police Force. He added that he had been in contact with the family of the late Constable who had also suffered a great loss. He promised to continue communicating with them until the matter was resolved.

On the direction of the Coroner the body of the policeman was taken to Rey’s Funeral Home to await a postmortem.

The Anguillian joins in expressing condolences to the family of the late Police Officer as well as to Commissioner Benjamin and all other ranks of the Royal Anguilla Police Force.

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