Crime/Police
Scooter rider receives funding to get prosthetic leg
On Tuesday, February 28, Bryshan Walters received a $5,000 donation from the Safe Haven Transitional Centre with officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Community Partnership Unit.
(JTV News) — A young man who lost his right leg as a result of a scooter collision in East End on April 18, 2021, is well on his way to receiving his prosthetic leg.
On Tuesday, February 28, Bryshan Walters, 18, received a $5,000 donation from the Safe Haven Transitional Centre with officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Community Partnership Unit.
According to a press release from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF, the team sought donations from the community to purchase the artificial limb.
Bryshan and his mother, Felecia September, expressed their gratitude for the gift, the release said.
Bryshan and his mother, Felecia September, expressed their gratitude for the gift, the press release said.
Director of the Centre, Nellville Bronstorph, said in the press release that Safe Haven dedicated the month of February to reach out to scooter riders with safety education in order to reduce incidents where riders are either killed or injured.
The theme for the month is, “With love, ride safely and wear a helmet.”
Eight helmets were distributed to scooter riders at the Elmore Stoutt High School as part of the activities, the release stated.
Community Officers, Acting Inspector Jacqueline Tom and Constable Mitchel John were both on hand for the presentation.
According to the release, the police force, while enforcing traffic laws, which is important for road users’ safety, the RVIPF is also empathic to those who are injured.
Also present at the handing over of the cheque were Deputy Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool, Assistant Commissioner Pam Trevillion, Acting Chief Inspector Dean Robin, Bronstorph and other officers of the Safe Haven Transitional Centre.
Following the accident, a graphic image circulating on social media showed Walters lying facedown on the ground with his leg badly broken.
Doctors were unable to save his leg.
Walters was 16 at the time.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.
RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.
“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”
To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.
If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging residents and business owners in East End, Tortola, to tighten security in light of a recent surge in burglaries plaguing the area. Over the past week, more than seven incidents have been reported, with hotspots including the neighborhoods of Greenland and Long Look.
The RVIPF is responding to this concerning trend by increasing patrols and advising the public to proactively secure their properties. Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool emphasized the value of functional security systems, particularly CCTV cameras, as both deterrents and critical tools for investigators.
Protective Measures Suggested by RVIPF
To prevent further incidents and aid in investigations, the RVIPF recommends a series of crime prevention strategies:
- Install and Maintain CCTV Systems: Ensure cameras are positioned to cover entry points and remain operational.
- Lock All Entry Points: Secure doors and windows, especially at night or when properties are vacant.
- Utilize Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter intruders by increasing visibility.
- Establish Neighborhood Watch Networks: Keep neighbors informed and report any suspicious activity to the RVIPF promptly.
“The safety of our communities is a priority,” said Acting Commissioner Vanterpool. “But we need the public’s partnership to address these crimes effectively. Functional CCTV systems, secure properties, and vigilant reporting can go a long way in deterring criminal activity.”
Additional patrols have been deployed in the Eastern districts, and detectives are actively investigating the recent burglaries. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).
An attempted armed robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill on Fort Hill was thwarted this afternoon when the proprietor successfully evaded an armed assailant. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM on November 4, when a masked individual, reportedly carrying a high-powered weapon, approached the popular establishment with apparent intentions to rob it.
According to initial reports, the gunman was unable to carry out the robbery and left the premises empty-handed. No shots were fired, and there are no reports of injuries to the proprietor or any patrons.
Police are currently conducting an investigation. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has not yet released further details.
This story is developing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
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