The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is formally challenging the decision by Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards to dismiss breach of trust charges against former Education and Culture Minister, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, and his former assistant secretary, Ms. Lorna Stevens. The charges stemmed from alleged mismanagement and budgetary improprieties in the construction of a perimeter wall at the Elmore Stoutt High School.

On January 21, Senior Magistrate Richards ruled that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case, effectively bringing an end to the prosecution’s arguments. However, just two days later, on January 23, the DPP filed an appeal, contending that the magistrate exceeded her jurisdiction, improperly rejected substantial evidence, and delivered an unreasonable decision.

The case against Mr. Walwyn and Ms. Stevens was rooted in the controversial construction project, initiated in December 2014 during Mr. Walwyn’s tenure. The project, aimed at building a perimeter wall around the high school, has been marred by allegations of mismanagement and public funds misuse.

According to a 2018 Auditor General report by Sonia Webster, the project suffered from budget overruns, contract splitting into over 70 work orders, and the use of unlicensed contractors. The report highlighted that over $1 million was spent, yet the wall remained incomplete. Ms. Webster’s findings prompted a police investigation in 2019.

Both Mr. Walwyn and Ms. Stevens were arrested and charged with breach of trust in October 2022. Prosecutors alleged that the duo failed to exercise proper oversight, leading to unnecessary expenditures and diminished value for taxpayer dollars.

In her January 21 ruling, Magistrate Richards found that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to establish a case against the defendants. Legal experts noted that the decision posed significant questions about the strength of the prosecution’s strategy.

The appeal filed by the DPP argues that the magistrate disregarded critical evidence that impacted the merits of the case. The filing also suggests that the dismissal was unreasonable given the severity of the allegations.

The Elmore Stoutt High School perimeter wall project has been a flashpoint of public criticism for years. During the 2021 Commission of Inquiry (COI), led by Sir Gary Hickinbottom, the project was described as “extraordinary” in its mismanagement. The COI report echoed concerns raised by Ms. Webster, particularly regarding the use of multiple unlicensed contractors and the resulting inefficiencies.

Sir Gary’s report noted that the project’s structure increased costs and complexity, further delaying its completion. He recommended that the police investigation continue without interference, emphasizing the need for accountability in public spending.

Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards has dismissed the case against former Education and Culture Minister Myron V. Walwyn and former assistant secretary Lorna Stevens, ruling there was no case to answer in the breach of trust charges brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The ruling, delivered today, January 21, followed a preliminary inquiry into allegations related to the controversial Elmore Stoutt High School perimeter wall project.

The decision effectively ends the prosecution’s case, with the Senior Magistrate finding insufficient evidence in the arguments presented. The dismissal brings to a close a chapter in the long-running investigation into the wall project, which has been the subject of public scrutiny for years.

The perimeter wall project, initiated in December 2014 under Mr. Walwyn’s tenure, has faced persistent criticism for budget overruns, alleged mismanagement, and a failure to deliver value for taxpayers. Despite more than $1 million spent, the project was never completed, as revealed in a 2018 report by Auditor General Sonia Webster.

Ms. Webster’s report highlighted significant concerns, including contract splitting into over 70 work orders and 15 petty contracts, many awarded to contractors without trade licenses. She concluded that the Ministry of Education and Culture failed to ensure proper oversight, resulting in overspending and poor value for public funds.

The findings of the Auditor General spurred a police investigation in March 2019. However, updates on the case were sparse until October 2022, when Ms. Stevens and Mr. Walwyn were arrested and charged. Ms. Stevens, who assisted with oversight of the project, was accused of breaching public trust.

The wall project was revisited in 2021 during the Commission of Inquiry (COI) led by Sir Gary Hickinbottom. In his April 2022 report, Sir Gary reiterated the concerns raised by Ms. Webster, labeling the project’s management as “extraordinary” and emphasizing the risks associated with the use of multiple unlicensed contractors. He recommended that the police investigation proceed without interference.

“The construction of a single wall involved 70 different contractors, the majority of whom had no constructor’s trade license, in circumstances which disregarded the increased costs and complexity,” Sir Gary wrote in his report. “This inevitably put at risk any desire to get the works completed at speed, as those involved, including [Mr. Walwyn], well knew.”

Senior Magistrate Richards’ findings signal a significant setback for the prosecution. Legal observers note that the court’s ruling raises questions about the strength of the evidence and the strategy employed in pursuing the charges.

Acting Commissioner and Governor Outline Key Initiatives and Vision for the Year Ahead

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) convened its first Force Meeting of 2025 under the leadership of Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool. The meeting, attended by His Excellency the Governor and members of the Police Service Commission, served as a platform to highlight achievements from the past year and unveil strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the Force’s capabilities and public trust.

His Excellency the Governor announced a robust package of support from the United Kingdom, set to begin in February, that underscores a long-term commitment to bolstering the RVIPF. Two senior UK officers will be deployed to assist in critical areas, including organisational priorities and completing Volume 2 of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) law review recommendations.

“These officers will provide vital expertise to support the Force’s ongoing transformation,” the Governor stated. He emphasised that their work will be directly aligned with the RVIPF’s leadership under Acting Commissioner Vanterpool.

Additional measures include specialised training and equipment upgrades for the Marine Unit, mentoring for the Intelligence Department, and the introduction of comprehensive vetting processes across law enforcement agencies following formal agreements.

The Governor also provided updates on the upcoming selection process for a permanent Commissioner of Police, which is expected to begin in the latter half of 2025 and could span six months.

Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool used the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of RVIPF officers throughout 2024, noting progress in technology, infrastructure, and operational efficiency.

“Our officers worked tirelessly last year, and their efforts have laid a strong foundation for continued success,” Vanterpool said.

She announced several key milestones, including the confirmation of officers to the Permanent and Pensionable establishment and long-awaited promotions from Sergeants to Chief Inspectors.

Reiterating her commitment to accountability, the Acting Commissioner declared, “Under my leadership, any officer caught breaking the law will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.” She also emphasized a renewed focus on community engagement, promising increased visibility across all levels of the Force.

The meeting reinforced the RVIPF’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability. Plans for 2025 include strengthening partnerships with local, regional, and international stakeholders to address evolving challenges and build trust with the public.