Philipsburg:--- Police officers, the public prosecutors, acting Lt. Governors and leader of Government were among some of the dignitaries who attended the church service at the Roman Catholic Church on Front Street on Friday in celebration of the 61st anniversary of the police force of the Netherlands Antilles.Officers of the law sang several choruses before the actual sermon took place. Also singing was police choir and the choir of the St. Joseph School.
The chief of police who took up office on St. Maarten last June told the gathering that while the police forces of KPNA and KPSSS share special cooperation within a few days these organizations would dissolve and become independent organizations of their future country. De Witte said when he took office he immediately began working on the plan for the future organization however, crime did not stop they still had to deal with three murders and other violent incidents all of which led to public outrage. He said because of police reinforcements and cooperation with the French side crime has decreased as many criminals were caught and placed behind bars.
The new police chief said in just a matter of days the organization will have to build an independent police organization and this can only be possible with professionalism, leadership, integrity, service-mindedness, result orientation, and accountability.Acting Lt. Governor and Chief of Police Reynold Groeneveldt said that he is thankful for the services of the police and especially the men and women who work endless hours to keep the community safe.
Groneveldt said the work of the police is not an easy task they are called to do many things some of which requires specific social skills. The police on St. Maarten, he said are called to deal with all sorts of people who come from different places speaking various languages and have different cultural backgrounds. The police also have to deal with the homeless, and the helpless and to make sure everyone is safe, secure and satisfied therefore it is fitting to thank the men and women in blue that have an enormous task ahead of them.
The service concluded with a recommitment and dedication prayer.After the official ceremony, a parade was organized through Front and Back Street.The 61st anniversary the last ceremony under the umbrella of the Netherlands Antilles concluded with lunch in front of the police station and a symbolic washing of one of the police cars with the hose from one of the fire trucks marking the end of the KPNA and the KPSSS.
