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UK national CoP of Anguilla resigns amid controversy

- First ever Commissioner of Police of the Royal Anguilla Police Force had been only six weeks on the job
Mrs Amanda Stewart (right) was sworn in as the Commissioner of Police in Anguilla on July 10, 2015. Photo: Anguilla News
The appointment of UK national Amanda Stewart as the top cop was never sitting well with the Anguillian public especially since the Commissioner’s job has always been held by an Anguillan and experienced, high level Anguillians in the diaspora had applied for the post. Photo: Anguilla News
The appointment of UK national Amanda Stewart as the top cop was never sitting well with the Anguillian public especially since the Commissioner’s job has always been held by an Anguillan and experienced, high level Anguillians in the diaspora had applied for the post. Photo: Anguilla News
Meanwhile, the appointment of another UK national to head the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is also being debated in some quarters of the VI by some who believe there are suitable locals for the position. This news site broke the news on August 12, 2015 that the replacement for outgoing Commissioner David Morris will be Mr Robin Smith who served as the Assistant Chief Constable of Sussex Police Department. Photo: Crawley Police/Facebook
Meanwhile, the appointment of another UK national to head the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is also being debated in some quarters of the VI by some who believe there are suitable locals for the position. This news site broke the news on August 12, 2015 that the replacement for outgoing Commissioner David Morris will be Mr Robin Smith who served as the Assistant Chief Constable of Sussex Police Department. Photo: Crawley Police/Facebook
THE VALLEY, Anguilla- Virgin Islands News Online’s correspondents in Anguilla have reported that the recently appointed Commissioner of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, Mrs Amanda Stewart, has resigned amid controversy emanating from comments made during a recent interview with a newspaper in the United Kingdom.

According to reports, Governor Christina Scott has accepted the resignation with immediate effect of Mrs Stewart.

The appointment of the UK national as the top cop was never sitting well with the Anguillian public especially since the Commissioner’s job has always been held by an Anguillan and experienced, high level Anguillians in the diaspora had applied for the post.

The controversial statements made to the newspaper Belfast Telegraph and which was published on August 4, 2015 under the headline ‘Ardoyne to Paradise: PSNI's Amanda takes over as top cop on Caribbean island of Anguilla’ only served to compound matters.

Excerpts from Belfast Telegraph that many Anguillans found offensive

“The island is sort of split in two, there’s the big five star resorts which the Americans mainly come to as it’s deadly expensive to come here from the UK,” explained Amanda.

“The ordinary people of Anguilla don’t have that much to be truthful, it’s a real typical Caribbean island.”

“The island feels stuck in the 1960s, even the way the people act, and their culture is very respectful. They are lovely, friendly people, you have to say “good morning and good afternoon” to everyone or they think you’re cheeky,” said Amanda.

“I didn’t know what it was going to be like, I knew there had been a bit of an uprising in the 1960s but that was actually to get British rule back.

“The truth is the people here think the island couldn’t survive without Britain,” said Amanda.

“The Governor Christina Scott basically rules the place, they have their own internal government but I think British rule is accepted and it’s the way it needs to run.”

Resignation letter accepted

After calls for her resignation came from many quarters, Mrs Stewart on August 17, 2015 tendered her resignation after only six weeks on the job.

Further information about the appointment of a permanent successor to Mrs Stewart will be made in due course, according to our correspondents in Anguilla.

UK national also appointed CoP of Royal Virgin Islands Police Force

Meanwhile, the appointment of another UK national to head the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is also being debated in some quarters of the VI by some who believe there are suitable locals for the position.

This news site broke the news on August 12, 2015 that the replacement for outgoing Commissioner David Morris will be Mr Robin Smith who served as the Assistant Chief Constable of Sussex Police Department.

The Governor’s Office has since confirmed that the position of Commissioner of Police of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has been offered to Mr Smith.

Mr Smith is expected to take up his position by September 1, 2015 once his employment is formalised.

“The recruitment process for the new Commissioner of Police is in its final stages. We can confirm that an offer of employment has been made to Assistant Chief Constable Robin Smith and will be formalised shortly,” Policy Assistant at the Governor’s Office, Sue Cotton told this news site on August 13, 2015.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Alwyn James is currently acting as Commissioner of Police.

Letter from Mrs Stewart to the Governor - August 17, 2015

Further to our conversations in recent days, I am writing formally to hand in my resignation with immediate effect.

Since I arrived in Anguilla, I have given the role my all and was working hard to improve policing on this island. I oversaw the policing of a safe and successful Summer Carnival, and arranged for specialised training for all CID officers and monthly professional development training for all officers. I had commenced work on increasing the visibility of the RAPF on the streets and focused on planning to tackle serious crimes. All of this was what I had come to Anguilla to do.

Following the newspaper article published in Belfast, I have been the subject of intense media and social media criticism with calls for my resignation, not because of the job I was trying to do, but because of quotes taken out of context. As soon as I saw the article I issued an honest and sincere apology for any offence caused, but the personal criticism has continued. This has now affected my health and I have been left with no alternative than to resign and leave Anguilla.

I am sorry that I have let people down who supported me and put faith in me to do this job. I should like to take this opportunity to thank the officers of the Royal Anguilla Police Force for their welcome and support. They do a difficult job in challenging circumstances. I wish them the very best for the future as they work to keep Anguilla safe and secure.

With best wishes,

Mrs Amanda Stewart

34 Responses to “UK national CoP of Anguilla resigns amid controversy”

  • Yes!! (20/08/2015, 16:14) Like (15) Dislike (36) Reply
    Yes, Anguilla, tell them you break ties with St. Kitts when you were treated as a step-child, you prevented planes from landing on your air-strip when you were dissatisfied with the same Government. You again told the UK you don't want their white COP over a majority black force. Anguilla, tell VI what to do with the COP they plan
    to send here, that you rejecting him also. Aren't there qualified people in the Caribbean? Why these British Officers? Are they offering any local policeman a stint in the UK? Can't the people of the VI see this now as a unified plan by the UK to put white people as Colonial masters in these dependent territories? This is just the beginning. It is time to take back our country. Thanks, Anguilla, by leading by example. We are one people; let us keep one voice.
    either. People, voice your opinions and keep the
    • 32 year old black man from the BVI (21/08/2015, 08:43) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
      You disgraceful person. You hater of God's image. You who is stuck with your none progressive ideology with no intentions on bridging the divide among race, culture, gender and everything else. You who is racial with bone of diversity. Who cannot see beyond the colour of skin and who have no idea of what all goes into governing nor understand the constitutional progress that we as British Overseas Territories made and will continue to make. You sicken me. You are part of the problem. May God silence you until you can come to the knowledge that forgiveness, denouncing hate, diplomacy and acceptance of others is needed now more than ever for progress to be continual. In the name of Jesus! Be Silent!
      • native (21/08/2015, 12:51) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
        If it is the behaviour of both sides I can understand your conversation but the majority of corcasions that come into the territory behave in the same manner like they better than and you want us to forgive them for what's still going on you a one who think we're not capable still after being educated,stand up for what you believe we were not born to serve another race but serve the most high
    • G M M (26/08/2015, 16:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      And so then, why after so many years, were they, (Anguilla), trying to form a re-unification with the same St. Kitts? This post is so empty, and reflective of someone who dwells in the past, and boasting, and all about nothing.
  • .... (20/08/2015, 16:40) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    idiot
  • Tolian (20/08/2015, 16:52) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    only we here soft
  • soft (20/08/2015, 16:53) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tolians only bark and never bite.
  • DON Q (20/08/2015, 17:01) Like (12) Dislike (7) Reply
    Ducan need to resign here too
  • right (20/08/2015, 17:09) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    Yes,

    while i see your point you clown can't even decide on a opposition leader without directives from this same master you speak of??? Your a joke and you are treated as such! Your comfortable with the status quo
  • wize up (20/08/2015, 17:11) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    Anguilla have demonstrated the power of its people: we have similar issues here and nothing happens: BVI had two local guys as CoP and by 2011 we back in the hands of the UK;
  • Maverick (20/08/2015, 19:12) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Caribbean residents in Anguilla are united, hence there is strength in numbers!
    • Anguillian (24/08/2015, 13:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Please do not believe that it is the majority of Anguillians that wanted that to happen. It was a few with very loud mouths. Over 500 people signed a petition who did not agree with the resignation of the new COP. That goes to show that Anguilla was ready to accept change. There are those that are racist pigs and do not want to see a Brit run the force however, we are not all racist and it a shame to see how a few idiots portrayed us to be that way.
  • Tolian (20/08/2015, 19:20) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    We respect law and order. Our problem begins with the corrupt politicians. They continue to put outsiders over Virginislanders because the outsiders kiss up to them. How many locals do we have on the force? If we have to depend on men and women from outside to secure our islands , what do you expect to get? Just chech the police force ,the teaching service , the health service even the civil service. Locals are being pushed out. Too many belongers status. The only country in the Caribbean with this problem.
    • Looking on! (20/08/2015, 20:08) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
      Then there are the half breeds!
    • Wrong (26/08/2015, 20:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      We actually need more belongs, not fewer, in order to grow our own economy. Sure, pick and choose based on lack of criminality, amount of positive social and economic contribution - anyone gaining status privileges should be a positive addition to he community. With a carefully managed population growth comes better schools and better community facilities as the government coffers and private businesses have more economic activity. With better schools comes greater opportunity (if people tae the opportunity) which means a generation of highly-skilled locals to enter the workforce and downward pressure on the need to import labour. It really is a win all round. Very Caribbean country (and non-Caribbean country) has immigration as a hot issue, BVI is not special in that regard. You cannot seriously contend that locals are being pushed out of anything in BVI; if anything, they are routinely pushed into jobs for which they are not capable and/or not willing to do (properly).
  • Eagle and Buffaloes (20/08/2015, 20:27) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
    This lady full ah sheself. She really thought Anguilla was stuck in the 60's during the colonial era when colonialists belief was that the offspring of slaves lack the mental capacity to serve in certain positions and that Anglosaxons had to save them from themselves. Not much has change since then, for many still believe the crap. They are right to believe the crap, for many of faux wannabe folks prefer to give them the preference over their own.

    Imagine the heffa insulting the customers she was hired to serve. What arrogrance! Good riddance! What is she apologizing for now that she is busted, for that is the way most of them roll when they are in a comfortable position among their own. Anyone remember Mitt Romney and his 47%; he was in the back room with his boys and comfortable when he spouted that nonsense.

    Anguillians are not as backwards as she thinks, for they came together and demanded she be gone. However, does BVI folks have the spine to demand a fair shot for its people or it still believes if you are White you are right , if you Brown stick around and if you are Black get back. Lets stop the self hatred; love thyself.

    Let's soar on the wings of eagles, not led off the cliff like buffaloes.
  • bvi (20/08/2015, 20:30) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    the UK commissioner is here because the police force is too corrupt. the government is corrupt so what do you expect.
  • SEABREEZE (20/08/2015, 22:17) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    I SAID ITBEFORE ETHNIC CLEANSING
    • stranger (21/08/2015, 05:38) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      I have heard it said here and I quote " there are full breeds, half breeds, and no breeds." End of quote.
      To me such statements are totally disrespectful when referring to all members of the human race.For a society which professes so much Christianity which to me is a commendable thing! and there are so many churches per square mile; that could probably make a world record. I keep wondering " lots of Christians but very little Christianity in it's true sense. I am not taking sides just wanted to make a point as it seems to relate to this generally.
  • one eye (20/08/2015, 23:57) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    if she had say that about the BVI not a man would have said a thing!
  • Forbidden Truth (21/08/2015, 01:18) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Six weeks on the job. It shows her overall lack of readiness to lead
  • John (21/08/2015, 03:48) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    And why do we have an Anguillan here calling for independence when they don't want it for their own country? The VI has too many foreigners with their own agendas.
  • VG 1 (21/08/2015, 04:16) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    what does she mean by" typical Caribbean island"? This woman is full of herself. That's very good Anguillians, send her back to England. rude and out of place.
  • wize up (21/08/2015, 15:09) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    one thing she was honest with her feelings; a number of white folk among us feel the same way about this territory: that is why these gated communities are spring up all over the BVI
  • shame.... (21/08/2015, 16:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It seems like the small town, you-ain't-from-here mentality in Anguilla is even worse than in the BVI...
  • pancho (22/08/2015, 06:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    How come these "chief constables" qualify for Commissioner of Police so easy here in the VI? Things that make one go hmm.
  • racists holding us back (26/08/2015, 19:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this woman is clearly naive to make her personal comments about British "rule" in a newspaper, but she has made many positive statements which are true of Anguilla (and BVI). She should not have to resign because of a few racists ganging up but should be admonished and given some education in this respect. If she is a good police chief, she should be welcomed with open arms no matter where she was born and certainly no matter what skin colour. Is Anguilla at the forefront on the modern world in any respect, much less within the prism of a government worker? Of course it is not and to some extent that is part of the charm. Has it got outmoded and difficult ways of dealing with administration, oh yes, just like BVI (and some much richer countries). BVI people cannot whine about corrupt politicians and then complain just because the police chief isn't born here - one would have thought that was a pre-requisite for the job.
    • Has anyone? (29/08/2015, 01:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Has anyone ever pondered whether the Brits who are brought to serve in "British Overseas Territories" have served in their own communities in the U.K., so were they ever accused of serving with bias? I believe that we should begin to think deeply and critically from here on in. Why then cannot one of us serve our communities without the assumption that we will be biased?
  • Activist (29/08/2015, 00:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thank God this forum gives us the opportunity, so that we can speak for ourselves in the 21st Century. I'll call it as I see it. In no way should someone in a leadership position "Commissioner of Police" come to an island and allegedly make derogatory culturally insensitive remarks to a newspaper in her homeland, "Anguilla is a village trying to be a country", "it is a typical Caribbean island", "Governor Scott rules the place", "they don't have much". Clearly, if the aforementioned remarks are from the heart and soul of your being Commissioner Amanda Stewart, why were you biting the hand that feeds you? "The village trying to be a country" pays some hefty salaries with very good benefits. Your resignation is in the best interest of both parties..."massa's day is been done".

    For all those who are supporting Commissioner Stewart, I respect your position, but take a look at our Anguilla, we would not be from under the yoke of the former Government of St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla, if we had not become unified and fought a bloodless revolution. It was the U.K that wanted business as usual, and that is why they sent their troops to "little Anguilla". You marched, you sent the police off the island, you kept watch, you did whatever you could to move Anguilla forward. Please do not rush to call Anguillans "racist pigs"...simply put that is pushing it. We have right to maintain a voice to speak out against injustices. It was wrong for Commissioner Stewart to make such derogatory culturally insensitive remarks about Anguilla. My people have spoken, she has gone back to Northern Ireland....was this a distraction? Let us move forward in the best interest of our island and future generations....this is just the beginning for accountable talk about nationhood. God bless Anguilla and her people at home and abroad, their friends and supporters...Peace and more peace'


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