Crime/Police
Security Audit Of Cyril B Romney Tortola Pier Park Commissioned, Confirms Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer
– Final Report To Be Submitted July 10
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has revealed that a thorough security audit of the Cyril B Romney Tortola Pier Park has been commissioned to identify security vulnerabilities.
The decisoin was made following a July 2 emergency meeting between the Minister Rymer, who is responsible for ports, and key stakeholders, including the chairpersons of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority and Acting Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
A government statement said the audit will assess existing security protocols and systems, identify vulnerabilities, and propose necessary enhancements. A final report will be presented to Minister Rymer, the BVI Ports Authority, and Tortola Pier Park Limited Boards on July 10.
The meeting, which was held a day after the daring daylight armed robbery at House of Luxury, primary focus was to collaborate on robust strategies to enhance security measures at the park.
At around 2 p.m. on July 1, two persons dressed in all white robbed the House of Luxury jewellery store of an undisclosed some of valuables, firing gunshots in the air as they fled the Cyril B Romney Tortola Pier Park.
No one was injured during the daring crime which was witnessed by several persons in and around the Pier Park in Road Town.
Police have been given full access to the park’s CCTV cameras and have also appealed to eyewitness to assist with the investigation by sharing any details of the crime they remember.
The Minister has also requested additional support from the police at the park to reinforce public confidence, while ensuring a positive guest experience until the audit is completed.
He stressed that all relevent agencies are committed to the safety of both citizens and visitors, and dedicated to promptly addressing the incident and implementing measures to strengthen a security at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park.
Witnesses are asked to call the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or Crimestoppers at 8008477.
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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