2006 Christmas Message by Mr. John B. Douglas, M.B.E., Commissioner of Police

2006 Christmas message
by Mr. John B. Douglas, M.B.E., Commissioner of Police

Mr. John B. Douglas, M.B.E., Commissioner of Police

The Christmas Season is a time of giving and sharing love, as we reflect on the birth of Christ. It is also a time for me to express my profound thanks to the general public and members of the Royal Montserrat Police, Fire and Rescue Services for their support during the year. I wish to encourage officers to be professional in their approach to the job, as is articulated in our Mission Statement.

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“The Mission of the Royal Montserrat Police Force is to deliver high quality and impartial service for the safety and protection of the Montserrat Community.”

“Our Vision is to be the regional leader in the provision of policing services with particular emphasis on community policing.” We can only achieve our Mission and Vision if there is an engagement of the Police and every member of the Community.

We are putting a lot of emphasis on Community Policing programmes. It is our belief that every member of Society is equally responsible for the safety and well-being of all. The Police service is simply the official agency, which facilitates the process. I have said in the past and will reiterate, the Police cannot act in isolation and be successful. A Police Force is as good as the community it serves.

In this regard, I beseech every resident of Montserrat to be committed in their support for the Royal Montserrat Police Force now and in the future. A strong Police/community partnership is the single most valuable tool in combating and reducing crime in any society. It is this vital partnership that the Force will continue to aggressively pursue in the future.

During the year 2006, while our statistics show a general reduction in crime, there were some disturbing incidents of domestic violence. It is indeed comforting to note that on every occasion, the Police was able to provide adequate response. I must emphasize, that this was not accomplished alone but rather with strong support from the Community Services Department.

Generally, we have seen a reduction in crime, more so during the period preceding the Festive season. I wish to implore you therefore, to maintain that spirit of peace, at all times showing love, friendship, charity, and continuously showing respect for others and their properties.

To the Senior officers and other ranks of the Royal Montserrat Police, Fire and Rescue Services, I say a big thank you for your support during the year and look forward to your continued support, as we reshape and reposition our services to face the numerous challenges that lay ahead.

Indeed 2006 has been successful in many ways, although there were some disturbing situations. We were able to solve most of the serious crimes committed in the year 2005. The true test of our character as a Force is the manner in which we dealt with these situations. We believe that integrity is the basis of public trust, and that honesty and equality in the delivering of policing services are essential. We will work together with the community to deliver a professional policing service. We may not always live up to the expectations of the community, but we promise to listen, adjust or correct, at all times striving to police to the dictates of the general public. We commit ourselves to upholding these values and to foster cooperation and respect within our society.

Please permit me now to wish all members of the Montserrat Community, members of my staff, their families and loved ones a blessed, joyful, peaceful and merry Christmas and a productive and healthy New Year.

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