Let 2017 find us all in good spirits, God’s richest blessing on our country

Christmas message 2016

Mr Renold A Hadaway, Commissioner of Police (Ag)

The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) would like to extend season greetings all the people of our blessed land as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We also wish to extend sincere gratitude to all who have contributed towards the maintenance of law and order for the year 2016.{{more}}

With the New Year fast approaching, it is important that the police and the community continue deepening and strengthening partnership to forge an even stronger relationship, with particular emphasis on the reduction of crime and violence. Let me remind you that crime has no boundaries and no man is an island; hence, we must be cognizant of the fact that there are major challenges to overcome in our effort to address the current trend in criminal activities.

Criminals do not vacation; consequently, we must all be our brother’s keeper, stay alert and focused throughout. To assist in this regard, we continue to offer words of advice on securing yourself and property, through our bi-annual Crime Exhibitions and our weekly radio programme.

The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is a service-oriented organization. Accordingly, the public demands a very high standard of service and professionalism from us each and every day. With the New Year fast approaching, I am reminded of the essential services provided to the nation by the hardworking and dedicated men and women of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. I wish to assure you that we will continue working tirelessly to support our general populace regardless of the many challenges that we may encounter.

Christmas is a time of caring, sharing and spending time with friends, family and loved ones. It also affords us an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s achievements, amidst our challenges and weaknesses. Let us not forget the vulnerable and less fortunate ones among us. Throughout the celebrations, I implore us all to reach out and touch someone’s life this season, as we reflect on the lowly manger where Jesus Christ was born; this is the epitome of humility.

For those of you who are incarcerated at this time, I also want you to reflect on your actions and where you went wrong. Importantly, all is not lost; when the opportune time arises, seize the moment to make a step in the right direction, a step that will bring about permanent positive changes to your lives. Remember, where there is life, there is always hope.

I wish to remind motorists and pedestrians alike, to be very cautious while using the roads. Do not over indulge in the consumption of alcohol, as this can affect your better judgment and ultimately lead to road fatalities. Traffic congestion at this time is often very frustrating. I therefore urge everyone to be tolerant. Consider carpooling and other means to reduce the heavy build-up of traffic in and out of Kingstown. During the year 2015, we had a total of eight hundred and forty-five (845) motor vehicle accidents reported, with fifteen (15) fatalities. Up to November 30, 2016, we have had a total of eight hundred and forty-two (842) motor vehicle accidents, with five (5) fatalities.

I wish to say a special thanks to the members of the constabulary for their resilience throughout the year. Although, there were instances where some members’ actions were not of the accepted standard, overall, your performance for the year has been one worthy of note. Special thanks must also be extended to your families for their unwavering support.

At this juncture, let me reiterate the significant role of the general public in assisting us in our fight against crime and violence. Up to November 2016, the homicide rate with the use of a firearm has almost tripled. There has been a total of twenty-six (26) firearm-related homicides with firearms, compared to nine (09) for the same period in 2015. This is of grave concern to us and we will continue to implement strategies to stem this flow of firearm-related offences. However, although firearm-related crimes have increased, overall crime has reduced significantly.

I wish to thank those persons who have come forward with reports and information in respect of criminal activities. We cannot do it without you. Therefore, we are asking for your continued support in the New Year. Let’s not forget the pertinent role of the non-governmental organizations and the media in our fight against criminality and the scourges of crime. Let’s do something positive to assist wherever possible. Let us work together in partnership and collaboration to produce better outcomes in 2017 and beyond.

As 2016 ends, let 2017 find us all in good spirits towards each other and God’s richest blessing on our country. As we continue to prepare to remember the birthday of Jesus Christ let’s share peace, joy and above all, Christ’s selfless act of charity. As 1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

I would like to wish you all a peaceful and blessed Christmas season and a bright and prosperous New Year. I pledge on behalf of the entire RSVGPF, and with your assistance, to make SVG a better and more prosperous country in 2017.