In a coordinated effort to tackle rising crime in Anguilla, Governor Julia Crouch and Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge met last week with UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP, to discuss strengthening the island’s security response.
During the talks, the Governor and Premier outlined a series of steps being taken locally, including the recruitment of additional police officers — some trained for specialist armed response — and the extension of contracts for six existing Authorised Firearms Officers for another six months. The Government of Anguilla is also exploring options to expand the ranks of the Royal Anguilla Police Force.
Minister Doughty praised the efforts of local law enforcement and pledged additional UK support to reinforce Anguilla’s crime-fighting capacity. This includes funding for the deployment of officers from the Cayman Islands, the extension of a UK-funded investigator team, the addition of six new police investigators, six armed officers, and upgraded police equipment — including a new drone.
Governor Crouch, Premier Richardson-Hodge, and Minister Doughty strongly condemned the recent spate of shootings on the island, reaffirming their commitment to work collaboratively to combat crime, address its root causes, and ensure justice is served.
