Crime/Police
32 New RVIPF Officers Reminded That They Are Guardians Of The Community
Head of the Financial Investigation Agency in the British Virgin Islands Errol George reminded thirty-two new police officers, including Best Recruit Constable Keimar Greene, that they are now servants and guardians of the community committed to the service of justice during the May 18 commencement ceremony.
George was the keynote speaker at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) graduation ceremony which was held on the grounds of the H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), Paraquita Bay in Tortola.
“Today marks a new journey as you embark on a worthwhile career of service to the community. As police and auxiliary officers you are servants and guardians of the public. Policing is a noble profession, no one forced you to choose it, you chose it of your own free will. By so doing you have an obligation to live up to the standards it requires. You have also committed yourself to the service of justice,” George said.
The new recruits – 14 constables and 18 auxiliaries – completed a six months rigiour basic training programme and will now fill vacancies in the newly restarted community policing division which is intended to strengthen relations between the public and the Force.
Before a crowd of well wishers, Commissioner of Police Mark Collins congratulated the graduates and welcomed them to active duty.
“Let me offer heartfelt congratulations to all of you for the successful completion of what I know was a tough six months of training, early morning PT, late night drills and classes in between. I welcome you as you transition into the workplace where you are going to put now all of that training into practice.”
This is the sixth graduating class since the establishment of police training in the BVI.
The new recruits will also be part of the foot patrol squad to provide more police visibility on the streets.
Governor John Rankin commended the officers for completing the training programme even faced with difficult exercises.
“I know that the tasks you have had to master as part of your training have demanded much of you. Demanded much of you in terms of your physical skills, in terms of your mental skills, in terms of your ability to learn new things, in terms of your resilience at points of adversity in your training. But you have lasted the course.”
Constable Keimar Greene received the President’s Award for Excellence for Best Recruit, the Commissioner’s Award for Best Recruit and the DCP Award for Best All-Around Recruit was Constable Keimar Greene.
Auxilliary Ronesha Jackson was given the Commandant’s Award for Best Auxiliary and Highest Academic Achievement. Other awards were given to officers who excelled in the areas of academic excellence, integrity, perseverance, drills, leadership, discipline, evidence gathering, and physical fitness.
HLSS President Richard Georges told the group that the community expects every one of them to serve with decency and fairness.
“You are being placed today in positions of responsibility, position of leadership in your community and there will be placed upon you by this community the highest expectations of decency, of morality and of fairness.”
Crime/Police
Multiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a series of arrests across the territory, highlighting a diverse range of criminal charges as law enforcement continues to crack down on illegal activities.
Tyler Harrigan, 26, of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, was charged with criminal damage, armed with an offensive weapon, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Authorities have not disclosed specific details of the incident leading to the charges.
In a separate case, Kelvin Eleuthere, 27, of Soper’s Hole, West End, was arrested on November 15 and charged with harboring a person, a serious offense under local law.
Also on November 15, Shamar John, 47, was charged for overstaying his landing permit, a violation of immigration regulations.
Meanwhile, on November 11, Kelliel Mala, 26, of the US Virgin Islands, was charged with disorderly conduct following an altercation.
Additionally, a 12-year-old minor was charged with indecent language on November 22.
Each of the accused individuals is scheduled to face court proceedings in the coming months.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with various assault incidents, including attacks on civilians and law enforcement officers.
On November 1, Julian Peters of Free Bottom was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was granted bail of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on December 17. Later in the month, on November 29, police arrested Tresley Chewitt, 41, of Windy Hill, Virgin Gorda, for a separate assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Chewitt was granted bail of $10,000 and will appear in court on January 20, 2025.
In incidents involving law enforcement, Ernest Williams, 31, of Virgin Gorda, and Shem Letteen, 53, of East End, were both arrested on November 23 for assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Both men were granted bail of $3,000 and are expected to appear in court on January 16, 2025.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to cooperate with investigations and report any incidents of violence or threats to public safety.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested several individuals in connection with firearm and explosives offenses in a series of incidents spanning November.
On November 29, officers arrested Luiz Guerra Bethelmy, 45, of Great Mountain, and Dania Livari Castello. Both face charges of keeping a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
Earlier in the month, on November 17, police apprehended 20-year-old Daniel Maduro of Long Bush. Maduro was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives.
In a separate incident on November 15, authorities arrested Richard Baronville, 32, of Long Bush, and Kahlim Smith, 24, of Nottingham Estate. Both men face charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of explosives.
Most recently, on November 30, police charged Keanus Smart, 18, of Free Bottom, with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offense and unlawful possession of explosives.
The RVIPF is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
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