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
BVI Begins Vetting of Police Officers, Reopen Search for Commissioner

The Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. Daniel Pruce, has announced the start of two major developments in the territory’s law enforcement framework: the formal initiation of a vetting process for all officers in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the reopening of the recruitment campaign for a new Commissioner of Police.
In a statement released today, April 17, Governor Pruce confirmed that legal amendments have been made to the relevant regulations and the agreement with the UK Home Office has been signed, enabling the start of police officer vetting across the force.
The process follows a recommendation made in 2022 by the Commission of Inquiry, which called for all RVIPF officers to undergo background vetting. According to the Governor, while the Police Service Commission (PoSC) has not yet reached the point of engaging with the Home Office vetting team, preparations are ongoing and collaboration with the PoSC will continue.
The vetting process will now move forward under the updated regulations, with a stated goal of vetting all serving officers by the autumn. Once completed, this will mark the first time the RVIPF is fully vetted.
The Governor clarified that police vetting is standard in the UK and other jurisdictions, intended to support professional conduct and enhance interagency cooperation. The initiative is also part of fulfilling a key recommendation from the Commission of Inquiry.
Governor Pruce also confirmed that the recruitment process for the next Commissioner of Police has resumed. The previous campaign was suspended in late 2024, pending the release of the second volume of the HMICFRS Law Enforcement Review. That document provided updated guidance on the qualifications and leadership capabilities required for the post.
A new person specification has been developed, and applications are now being accepted. According to the Governor, the role will require extensive policing experience and the capacity to lead the RVIPF through a period of change and development.
The recruitment process is being led by the Police Service Commission in coordination with the Deputy Governor and the central human resources team. The target is to have a new Commissioner appointed and in post by the autumn.
Governor Pruce noted the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies, government partners, and the community. He also acknowledged the continued work of current RVIPF officers during the ongoing reform processes.
Both initiatives—police vetting and the Commissioner recruitment—are intended to strengthen the operational framework of the RVIPF in accordance with local regulations and external review recommendations.
Crime/Police
Police to Enforce Noise Act Amid Complaints About Loud Scooters, Trucks

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced plans to increase enforcement of noise pollution regulations in 2025, with a particular focus on motor scooters and heavy-duty lorries that have drawn repeated complaints from the public.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Dariel Robinson, who heads Operations, confirmed that the RVIPF will be prioritising enforcement of the Noise Control and Abatement Act (1996) this year. The move comes in response to growing concerns from residents about the impact of excessively loud vehicles on quality of life throughout the Territory.
“We continue to receive regular reports from members of the community regarding noise disturbances caused by motorbikes and large lorries,” Robinson said. “These disturbances, especially during late-night and early-morning hours, are affecting the peace and well-being of our residents, particularly the elderly.”
Under the Act, individuals found in breach may face arrest, charges, and court proceedings. The RVIPF is encouraging all vehicle owners—particularly those operating scooters and commercial lorries—to ensure their vehicles are in compliance with the legal noise limits.
“This is a matter of public interest,” Robinson added. “We are asking the public to revisit the details of the Act and to share this information with others who may be affected. Enforcement will begin in earnest in 2025, and we intend to take firm action where necessary.”
The RVIPF reiterated its commitment to ensuring safer, quieter communities across the Virgin Islands and is appealing to the public to support efforts aimed at reducing noise pollution and fostering a more respectful living environment.
Crime/Police
Prison Superintendent Addresses Attack on Officer at Balsam Ghut

A correctional officer was attacked by an inmate with known mental health challenges at His Majesty’s Prison on Sunday, March 30.
Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall in a statement confirmed that immediate action taken by officers involved to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Our team responded rapidly and with professionalism,” Kendall said. “The situation was de-escalated with appropriate force to ensure the safety of all individuals involved, and the incident was brought under control within minutes.”
Kendall assured the public that both the officer and the inmate received medical attention at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital and were treated and released the same day.
“I am relieved that both the officer and the inmate are now in stable condition. We are grateful for the medical team’s prompt and compassionate care,” Kendall noted. “Their quick intervention was critical in managing what could have been a much more serious situation.”
The superintendent also praised his staff for their vigilance and quick thinking in responding to the crisis.
“This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of corrections work, where staff must often balance security with managing complex mental health needs,” he stated. “I want to commend my officers for their professionalism. Their actions prevented further harm, ensuring that the situation was contained swiftly.”
Kendall reiterated that the prison continues to face challenges in managing inmates with mental health issues, a concern that has prompted ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and rehabilitation programs.
“For the past 18 months, we’ve worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Governor’s Office to enhance safety protocols, improve officer training, and introduce mental health awareness initiatives,” he explained. “We’ve also upgraded protective equipment and communication tools to ensure our officers can respond effectively in critical situations.”
While Kendall acknowledged progress, he stressed that continuous improvement is essential.
“We are committed to enhancing our procedures and resources to uphold the highest standards of care, security, and rehabilitation,” he said. “Mental health remains a priority, and we will continue to work with our partners to develop better interventions that support both institutional security and inmate well-being.”
In closing, Kendall expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of those involved in managing the situation.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in responding to this incident,” he said. “We remain committed to the safety, security, and well-being of both our staff and the individuals in our care.”
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