You have my full support

SPEAKING IN his capacity as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President George Maxwell Richards urged police officers to remain committed to protect and serve despite a lack of support from the public. The President addressed the officers during an Independence Day function at the First Division Officers’ Mess at the Police Administration Building in Port-of-Spain. He told the officers: “You have committed to protect and serve and fulfilment of that commitment is an individual choice that depends only on you. You have my fullest support both as Commander in Chief and as a citizen, as you seek to diligently fulfil this mission on which no monetary rewards are placed.

“If we could build a country where peace and security of its inhabitants are assured, your service and sacrifice will not have been in vain.” The President, together with his family, members of the Defence Force, diplomatic corp, politicians and several hundreds of persons, had earlier attended the Independence Day Parade held at the Queen’s Park Savannah. It was the second year that President Richards was presiding over Independence Day celebrations but the first for newly appointed Commissioner of Police Trevor Paul. In his address at the function, Commissioner Paul reminded his officers of their commitment and told them that change is inevitable as they are called to do more in this global village.