NEWS
  • CDC Investigates Illness Outbreak on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas || BVI Governor Attends Men's Health Fair as Community Pushes for Wellness || St. George’s Secondary and VISTS Advance in Inter-Secondary School Debates || BVI Citizens Do Not Require Visas for Travel to Guyana || MPs Criticise British Virgin Islands Over New Corporate Ownership Register. ||. BVI Welcomes Six American Airlines Flights in One Day, Boosting Tourism || CIBC Caribbean Helps Restock Family Support Network Pantry in BVI || Tortola Auto Group Rolls Out "Deals 2 Love" Sales Event for Valentine’s Day || Three Women Set Their Sights on Miss RVIPF 2025 Title || BVI Government Launches “Business Done RIGHT” Campaign to Strengthen Financial Integrity || BVI to Honour Late Educator Ruby Smith-Newberry with Literary and Cultural Celebration || PAW BVI Nears Milestone of 5,000 Spay/Neuter Surgeries || ADVERTISEMENT: Need a banner in a hurry? Look no further than JAHPHIX DESIGNS. Our high-quality banners can be delivered to you in 24 hours or less. Tel: (284) 340-1995 or email us at mail@jahphix.com ||
Connect with us

Crime/Police

Aleem Fahie Granted Bail Under Strict Conditions

Published

on

Aleem Fahie, a 28-year-old resident of Brandywine Bay, was granted bail in the amount of $100,000 with one signed surety during his first appearance in the Magistrates Court today when he appeared before Magistrate Kadeem Palmer presided over the proceedings.

Fahie who faces charges of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Drug With Intent to Supply and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Drug has maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.+

One of the primary conditions requires Fahie to report to the Road Town Police Station three times a week. Additionally, he is obligated to surrender all of his travel documents and is prohibited from attempting to secure new ones during the duration of his bail. Furthermore, Fahie is strictly prohibited from interfering with any of the prosecution’s witnesses in the matter.

Fahie was arrest and subsequently charged following a planned search operation conducted by officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in the Brandywine Bay area on October 28, 2023.

Commissioner of Police, Mark Collins, emphasized the significance of such operations in maintaining law and order within the community. He stated, “Individuals who engage in drug distribution pose a significant threat to our community, and the RVIPF is unwavering in its determination to prosecute these offenders.” The arrest of Aleem Fahie is part of a broader effort to combat the illegal drug trade in the region.

The RVIPF actively seeks cooperation from the community to aid in their ongoing investigations. Commissioner Collins highlighted the vital role that residents can play in supporting law enforcement by sharing information about criminal activities. Individuals with pertinent information can do so confidentially by contacting the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS) or overseas at 1-284-800-8477. Additionally, they can reach out to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.

It is worth noting that all information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Crime/Police

Crime in the Virgin Islands Drops to Five-Year Low

Published

on

By

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a marked decline in several serious crime categories for the first quarter of 2025, citing the lowest figures in at least five years.

According to newly released data covering January through March, serious assaults decreased by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2024 and are now 11 percent below the five-year average. Sexual offences fell even more sharply, down 42 percent year-over-year and 36 percent below the five-year norm.

Burglaries involving commercial premises, construction sites, and storage facilities also saw significant reductions. These incidents declined by 44 percent compared to the first quarter of last year, placing them 30 percent below the five-year average.

Murder rates remained low, with one homicide recorded in the first quarter of 2025, identical to the figure for 2024 and a substantial decrease from 2021, when four cases were reported during the same timeframe.

Police credited the reductions to focused enforcement efforts, intelligence-driven operations, and continued community cooperation. These initiatives, the RVIPF stated, have produced “real results in the fight against crime.”

Continue Reading

Crime/Police

BVI Begins Vetting of Police Officers, Reopen Search for Commissioner

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Crime/Police

Police to Enforce Noise Act Amid Complaints About Loud Scooters, Trucks

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Trending