The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is warning the public against the illegal circulation of explicit material involving minors, following reports of a video featuring high school students being shared across digital platforms.

Law enforcement officials stress that the possession, transmission, or distribution of such content constitutes a serious criminal offense under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2014. The law prohibits using a computer to “distribute, transmit, disseminate, circulate, exhibit, deliver [or] procure” material depicting child abuse, which includes child pornography.

Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis, who heads the Criminal Investigations Department, noted that recent amendments to the law have broadened the legal definition of a “computer” to include mobile phones, digital video recorders, and closed-circuit television systems. As a result, individuals who store or share such material via their smartphones are equally liable under the law.

Violators face severe penalties. Those convicted in the Magistrate’s Court could receive a fine of up to $200,000, up to seven years in prison, or both. More serious cases tried in the High Court could result in fines of up to $500,000, up to 14 years in prison, or both.

The RVIPF has adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy toward child exploitation materials and vows to take swift action against those involved in their creation, distribution, or possession.

“We urge the public to act responsibly and refrain from sharing or storing explicit content involving minors. Anyone caught engaging in this activity will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Davis said in a statement.

Authorities are also urging individuals who have received such material to delete it immediately and refrain from further circulation. Parents, educators, and guardians are encouraged to have open discussions with young people about the legal and personal consequences of engaging in or distributing explicit content.

For further information, individuals may contact the RVIPF Family and Juvenile Unit at 368-9401. Reports can be made confidentially through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, for international callers, at (284) 800-8477. The RVIPF Intelligence Unit can also be reached at 368-9339.

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Senior officials of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have begun patrolling alongside officers as part of an effort to increase public engagement and reinforce community policing initiatives.

The initiative, which began in December 2024, was outlined Thursday during the RVIPF’s first press conference of the year. Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool said the effort is designed to create stronger connections between law enforcement and the public.

“While senior management may not be present daily, their scheduled participation reinforces our shared commitment to listening, understanding, and supporting the community,” Vanterpool said.

The patrols involve members of senior management, police constables, and auxiliary officers walking through communities, greeting residents, speaking with business owners, and engaging with tourists. The initiative aims to enhance police visibility and accessibility.

So far, the presence of senior officials in patrols has drawn positive reactions from community members, who have engaged in discussions with officers on various concerns. The effort is part of a broader push to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the public.

The RVIPF has not set an end date for the initiative, stating that it will continue as part of the force’s commitment to maintaining public safety and fostering community partnerships.

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.