A Christmas Message by Mr. Michael F. Charles, acting Commissioner of Police
“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”. 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 caroling 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!
Mr. Policeman, nay new Commissioner of Police, Ag., I once had a buddy policeman Charles from Biabou; I lost touch after he apparently migrated some years ago.
Now, resolutions are a “helluva ting”.
I am fully assured that you will come good with your apparent resolve “To protect and Serve”. (I am deeply familiar with the Seawell Regional Police Training Centre training course.)
BUT, you and the men of The ROYAL SVG POLICE FORCE will be able to fulfill THAT loyal PLEDGE to THE PEOPLE OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES only if, ONLY IF, and WHEN you, each and everyone of you. FAITHFULLY FULFILL YOUR SWORN OATH OF OFFICE, and eschew ALL political partisanship and parochialism – – – and ENFORCE THE SVG INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION and the LAWS OF SVG without ANY political bias WHATSOEVER.
No one, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, is ABOVE THE LAW.
Even IF the Sovereign, I believe, were (perish the thought) to commit a capital offense [or any felony], then, according to my legal training as a paralegal trainee ever since Third Form assisting a visually challenged ‘retired’ Magistrate’s Clerk, then that august Personage MUST abdicate, AND THEN be charged with whichever offense it was.
Do you, and the men of the Royal SVG Police Force have the ‘GUTS’ or the ‘gumpsion’ to do your jobs, regardless?
Would you REALLY have the requisite COURAGE, TEMERITY and NERVE to duly, faithfully DO YOUR DUTY and risk your very jobs, livelihoods, and VERY LIVES in FULFILLING YOUR DUTY in such-like circumstances?
Are your ALL “your ‘OWN’ men”?
CAN YOU, will you, truly FULFILL YOUR ‘BONDEN’ OATH OF OFFICE, each one?
Then, for sure, our long-suffering CITIZENS, and youth, OF SVG can definitely LOOK FORWARD, and AHEAD, to the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ POLICE FORCE duly FULFILLING THEIR OATHS OF OFFICES and PROMISE:
To PROTECT and SERVE.
We shall hold you to that legal and moral OATH OF OFFICE, Commissioner Michael CHARLES.
Then, in all SVG we can confidently PROCLAIM that THERE WILL BE PEACE ON EARTH, AMONG MEN (AND WOMEN) OF GOOD-WILL.
May the Almighty CREATOR of all men and women BLESS ST.VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES.
So that we may truly deserve being called HAIROUNA, Land of the Blessed.
San Vincente, peyi nous tout. SVG, we love you all.
STEVEN please BACK THE HELL UP OFF Michael CHARLES! for a man of your esteem intellect and position in our society you of all people should know how the system works.
In my estimation you have an axe to grind and it’s not with Michael so be a man grow some balls and step to who the hell that person or persons may be and deal with them and stop the BS. STOP HIDING COME UP FRONT BE A MAN AND SAY OUT LOUD WHAT U HAVE TO SAY! I SERIOUSLY DON’T THINK MICHAEL HAVE WRONG U IN ANY WAY “SO LEF THE MAN MEK HIM DO HIS JOB IN PEACE !!!!
IF U DON’T HAVE ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY SHUT THE HELL UP GO SIT DOWN AND LOUL THE MAN CAREER TO PROSPER !!