Ranks of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) were treated to a luncheon by staff of Guana Island Hotel at Road Town Police Station on December 20, 2017. Photo: Provided

The luncheon hosted by Guana Island was also an opportunity for police officers to take time off from their busy work to socialise. Photo: Provided

According to the General Manager of Guana Island Hotel Mr Vernon Daniel, “Guana Island Hotel, along with our wonderful staff, are staying true to our social responsibility by showing our appreciation for the collective efforts of the RVIPF for making it their duty to keep us safe notwithstanding the challenges that they face.”

Some 200 officers were treated at the luncheon.

Food not enough

Realising that a good meal is not enough the generous Management and staff of Guana Island Hotel also donated building supplies to aid the rebuilding of officers’ homes that were damaged during hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“Upon the request of the Police Welfare Association to provide shelter for officers who remain homeless after the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria, Guana Island Hotel is also donating 1 bail of T111 and 1 bundle of 2x4's to assist in getting officers dwellings repaired,” said Mr Daniel.

Many officers were left homeless post Irma, yet this did not dull their commitment to service. "It was clear a number of officers had lost everything but were reporting for duty and trying their best to help the communities. Many were sleeping on the floors of police stations," Commissioner of Police, Michael B. Matthews had previously stated.

Other relief received

Through the establishment of the Police Welfare Association (PWA), headed by Detective Constable Sean A. McCall, officers also received aid from PWA St Vincent and the Grenadines, Clyde Chalwell who donated building supplies, Bill and Judy Reveno who gave monetary donations, CoP Matthews who made monetary donations and businesses such as Caribbean Cellars, Tico, Convoy of Hope and African Pride who donated water and drinks.

Relieft supplies were also pledged from Trinidad and Tobago.

Not only the officers of RVIPF are benefiting from the PWA efforts but also auxillary and support staff are also receiving aid.

Noting the importance of providing for our police force, Chairman McCall had said, “if we are going to be out there all day and all-night working, our families and our homes have to have some sort of comfort.”