Fri Dec 20, 2013

Christmas Message

Mr Michael F. Charles, Commissioner of Police (Ag.)

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King. Let every heart, prepare Him room and Heaven and nature sing”.

Christmas is the most joyous time of the year. It is a time of joy, peace and love. Traditionally, at Christmas time, we think of our loved ones, family and friends, colleagues, the poor and needy and we seek out ways to let them know how much we love and appreciate them. At no other time in a calendar year is the atmosphere so filled with “love.”{{more}} Wikipedia tells us that during the First World War, the British and German soldiers would call “cease fire” on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. In a time of war, these men journeyed over “enemy lines” to exchange food, gifts and to sing Christmas carols. This is the kind of atmosphere that Christmas evokes; it is truly an extra special time.

Christmas is also a time when we reflect on what transpired during the earlier part of the year; for example, what we did and did not achieve, and plan our goals for the New Year. The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has had a challenging year. It is not and never will be an easy task to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of and visitors to St Vincent and the Grenadines, but we have and will continue to do so steadfastly.

While Christmas is a time of peace and goodwill, there are some among us who will use this time to disrupt that peace by committing crimes – stealing, robbing and even wounding persons. I urge all citizens to take your own security very seriously in this holiday season. In order for us to reduce crime and rid our blessed land of criminal activities, the Police need the unwavering support of the general public. I give you the assurance that members of the Police Force will never shirk their responsibility to protect and serve the people of this nation and visitors, but we need your continued partnership to further bolster our efforts.

To our valued businessmen and women in Kingstown and throughout the country, be assured that the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force will implement additional security measures at business places in and around Kingstown, so that you and your customers can conduct business in a more secure and safe environment.

Fellow Vincentians and visitors alike, in our quest to provide a better service, we will, in the New Year, be looking at ways in which we can improve our service to the society at large.

For this holiday season, I urge all Vincentians and visitors alike to exercise care and caution when using our roads to avoid injury. To all motorists, please observe all of the road traffic signs; be courteous to other road users and do not drink and drive, as you well know that this is a recipe for disaster.

Christmas is also a time of carolling and serenading, so as per usual, the Police Band will be having its Annual Band Concerts throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines. I do hope this will bring some additional joy to you as you listen to the officers play their musical instruments.

I wish to end by thanking every member of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and its Auxiliary Forces, for their support, loyalty and commitment to duty during the year. Your service to your country is commendable. I wish you and your families a joyous Christmas and a New Year filled with God’s blessings and prosperity. Merry Christmas to all!