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.
Richard Barronville and Khalid Smith have been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of explosives following a routine inspection of a vessel in the Frenchman’s Cay area on Thursday by the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base Joint Task Force.
A statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) indicated that the two men—Barronville, 32, of Long Bush, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Smith, 24, from the United States—are expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at the next available sitting.
They were arrested on November 14 shortly after 11 a.m. by members of the Joint Task Force, which included officers from the RVIPF and His Majesty’s Customs.
A firearm and ammunition were discovered in the possession of the duo, who were subsequently taken to the Road Town Police Station.
The RVIPF urges anyone with information regarding individuals in possession of illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is seeking assistance from the public in locating K’Shawn Martin, 18, who is wanted for questioning in connection with a recent shooting incident. Martin, described as 5’9” with a slim build, dark skin, and black hair, is being linked to the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt, which took place on Friday, November 8, 2024, on Sand Box Road.
Authorities report that Martin, last known to reside in the Sand Box Road area, may be armed and is considered dangerous. The RVIPF warns the public not to approach Martin if seen and instead urges anyone with information to come forward.
In addition to the search for Martin, police are also requesting information regarding the whereabouts of another individual, Shemoi Carey, who is also sought by the RVIPF’s Criminal Investigation Department. Tips can be directed to RVIPF’s CID at 368-5323. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
A shooting incident in close proximity to the Elmore Stoutt High School in the Long Bush area of Road Town has left one man seriously injured and prompted an immediate lockdown at the school.
According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the injured man was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition remains unknown at this time. Details about the suspected assailant or potential motives are still unclear.
The incident, which took place on Pickering Avenue shortly before 1 p.m. today, November 8, led the school administration to enact the lockdown as a precautionary measure to safeguard students and staff. Shortly afterward, parents received official communication from the school, reassuring them that the lockdown had been lifted and that students were safe.
“We understand that such news can be concerning, but please rest assured that all necessary measures were taken to ensure everyone’s safety,” the school stated. “The school day is continuing as normal, and students are safe and secure.”
Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Parents and guardians with questions are also encouraged to reach out directly to the school for further updates on student safety. Further details will be shared as they become available.
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