A colourful parade in St George’s Square in Valletta by the various sections of the police force was held yesterday to mark the 192nd anniversary of founding of the Corps in Malta.
Events began with Mass in the chapel at Police headquarters celebrated by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca.
In his message for the occasion, Mgr Mercieca said the members of the police required continuous formation in their relationship with God and their fellow human beings.
“This formation is the best form of investment that can be undertaken by the Police Force, so that members may carry out their work with integrity in a responsible and sincere manner to always respect God’s will, legal responsibility and human dignity,” the archbishop told police officers.
He said that society expected strong and effective protection from the police as well as a strong commitment in combating hatred and trouble in the country, such as racist sentiments or tendencies.
After the Mass, the various police sections gathered in Valletta for the Police Day parade, in which the UK’s Hampshire Police Band also took part.
One of the force’s mascots, young Aidan Dwight Mallia, wearing the uniform of the Police Band, was given the baton and started to direct the Hampshire band, much to the crowd’s delight.
The different vehicles used by the Police Force were displayed in Freedom Square, Valletta, before the parade began. The Police Band and the Guard of Honour then marched down Republic Street to St George’s Square, where the Guard of Honour band awaited the arrival of the country’s top dignitaries, including Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Mrs Gonzi, and President Edward Fenech Adami.
Excellent displays were then given by the Police dog section, the mounted section and the precision drill team. The police band then performed an excellent rendition of New York, New York, that demonstrated their coordination skills.
One of the highlights of the parade was the march past featuring officers in uniforms and vehicles and equipment used over the years by the Police Force.
Later on in the morning, medals were presented to 197 police officers for their long and efficient service.
These were commissioner John Rizzo, three assistant commissioners, five superintendents, 16 inspectors, nine sergeant-majors, 40 sergeants and 123 constables.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Labour Party home affairs spokesman Gavin Gulia, congratulated present and past members of the Police Force for their disciplined work and commitment.
Dr Gulia emphasised the fact that members of the Police Force must be loyal, honest and dedicated in their mission to fight crime
He said that irregular immigration was proving to be a burden on the human resources and operative capacity of the Police Force.
Dr Gulia said that the Maltese public should therefore show their gratitude towards the police for the long hours of surveillance and protection carried out in detention centres where irregular immigrants are accommodated.
Today, Gozo will be organising various activities to mark the 192nd anniversary of the founding of the Malta Police Force. The police station in Victoria will be open to the public between 9am and 5pm, and Mass will be celebrated in the chapel at St Mary’s Cemetery. Wreaths will be laid at the Police Force monument.
In Marsalforn, at 8pm, there will be a performance by the Police Band and displays by the Precision Drill Team and the Police Dog Section. The Police Mounted Section will also be present.