On Friday, March 19th, 2021, Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) attended a Devotional Service to recognize what God has done for them individually and collectively as an organization during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event that began at 7:00 a.m. at the Ethel Ingham Centre saw Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Darron Williams, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant, and all ranks of the RTCIPF in attendance.
Special guests included Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, who brought remarks; newly appointed Chaplain Father Alvardo Adderly, Bishop Coleta Williams III, and Dr. Pedro Williams, who delivered prayers on behalf of the Force and their families, while Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of the TCI Hospital spoke on the need to make wise decisions about health during the pandemic.
Commenting on the initiative, Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams said, “I am delighted to welcome all of you here this morning. In particular, our guests. Your presence here is a clear indication of your commitment, dedication, and support to the RTCIPF. On Wednesday, the Force Executive Team decided that with all the challenges we currently face, it is important that we pause to give God thanks and praise for his goodness to us. Thank you for your continued service and hard work while putting yourselves on the frontline daily to protect the communities of the TCI. Your service is indeed appreciated”.
Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, said, “As we near the first anniversary of the pandemic, it is only right that we offer thanks and prayers for our officers who have worked tirelessly on the frontline to ensure our security and safety. COVID-19 has directly impacted the force in several ways, with several officers throughout the year having been placed in quarantine, unfortunately, testing positive and most regrettably having lost their lives. We offer our sincere condolences to our fallen officers’ families and thank God for his mercies in keeping our officers who are still with us today. We thank you for your service and ask that you continue to be vigilant and make smart decisions concerning your health as we continue to work in this challenging environment”.
Meanwhile, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant reminded officers that they play an important role as frontline workers and are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant added, “The police play an important role in protecting and serving the community, and we greatly value their contribution. The protection offered by the COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool that can be life-saving. Therefore, my sincerest hope that the information shared today will bring greater clarity and assistance in making decisions about the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine’s goal is to significantly reduce and potentially eliminate severe COVID-19 disease and hence be life-saving”.
A similar service is to be held on Grand Turk in the coming days.