Crime/Police
RVIPF/MARINE ASSOCIATION LAUNCH OPERATION ISLAND WATCH
Mariners across the British Virgin Islands can now easily report suspicious behaviour to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) through Operation Island Watch.
Operation Island Watch was launched on March 29. It equips captains, boaters, keen sailors or just those walking on the beach with the tools to anonymously report any suspicious activity, a RVIPF statement explained.
The RVIPF has partnered with the territory’s Marine Association on this initiative. Funding was provided by the Marine Association.
Head of the Marine Branch Inspector Lesroy Simmons noted that “we are fortunate to have a number of persons within the marine industry who are passionate about protecting our waters from predators who engage in illegal fishing, illegal smuggling or trafficking, illegal dumping, or any other unlawful use of the Territorial waters or shorelines. By giving no more than a few details, law enforcement is provided with the information needed to respond quickly and apprehend potential suspects.”
At the launch, Chief Inspector Louis Buckley explained just how easy it is for someone to share information to the authorities.
“On the Operation Island Watch brochure is a QR code. With a smartphone on camera mode, you can scan the QR code. This will immediately take you to
the Watch site where you can log any suspicious details. All we need is a line or two. No other information is required or requested,” he said.
Operation Manager for Virgin Islands Search and Rescue Phil Aspinall publicly endorsed the initiative calling it a “ win-win for all concerned.”
He added: “ the BVI is considered the sailing capital of the world, and we must help to protect this destination at all costs. I think I speak for many within the boating community when I say that I am happy to be part of this initiative and any such initiative that promotes safety and security in our waters.”
The group took the opportunity to share a dinghy safety brochure now available for charter companies, captains and sailing visitors which lists safety tips for persons travelling in a dinghy including maintaining a safe speed, wearing a kill cord and a lifejacket and practising safe loading.
Boaters can collect a free Operation Island Watch and Dinghy Safety Brochure at the Police Marine Base or at the VISAR Office at Road Reef. Persons can also contact Lesroy Simmons directly at +284 368-9462.
A man believed to be mentally challenged was apprehended yesterday, May 8, for allegedly breaking and entering. While it is unclear whose property was involved or when the incident occurred, a voice in the video of the encounter is heard saying, “You hungry, ask for food, you don’t break into people’s houses.”
JTV understands that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been made aware of the matter. Further details will be provided as they become available.
A 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with a late-night shooting outside a popular nightclub in Free Bottom. Following reports of gunfire in the area on Monday, April 28, 2024, officers arrested Jamari Scatliffe of John’s Hole, who now faces charges of possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear, unlawful possession of explosives, and attempted robbery.
According to initial reports, officers responded to the scene shortly after 1:45 a.m., where two masked individuals allegedly approached a group near the nightclub, prompting one person to flee inside. The masked assailants then fired several rounds before escaping.
A subsequent search of the area recovered eight spent shell casings, including five .223 caliber and three .40 caliber rounds.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the swift action by officers, stressing the department’s commitment to public safety.
“Gun violence has no place in our community,” Vanterpool said. “The swift action by officers to investigate and bring charges in this matter reflects our continued commitment to ensuring public safety. We thank those who have already come forward and continue to urge anyone with information to do the right thing.”
The RVIPF is encouraging anyone with information related to this or other crimes to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
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Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.
A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.
Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.
Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.
Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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