Crime/Police
Governor Announces Investigation into Police Commissioner Amidst Mounting Allegations
Governor John J. Rankin, in his final press conference before leaving the territory, confirmed that Police Commissioner Mark Collins is under investigation for possible corruption.
Taking a stance in line with UK and international best practices, Governor Rankin revealed that a senior police officer from another overseas territory within the region has been enlisted to conduct an independent review of the complaints against Commissioner Collins. The governor emphasized his commitment to transparency, stating that the findings and recommendations of the review would be made public once completed.
“I take all complaints seriously, and I’ve taken action in this matter. The independent review is crucial to ensure a fair and impartial investigation,” Governor Rankin stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The recent revelation follows a private petition signed by dozens of concerned officers within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), urging the dismissal of Commissioner Collins. The petition, submitted to Governor Rankin, outlines 55 allegations against the Commissioner, ranging from misconduct to abuse of power.
The central accusation revolves around an email sent on October 5, 2021, where Commissioner Collins allegedly instructed his executive team to destroy evidence related to an ongoing case. Despite his denial and labelling it an “internal matter,” the petition contends that such actions amount to a willful abuse of power and interference with the administration of justice.
The petition contends that he has manipulated promotion procedures, wielded undue influence over the Police Service Commission, and cultivated an atmosphere of deceit within the force.
Governor Rankin, responding to accusations of bias during the press conference, stated, “I’ve already reviewed the complaints in this matter, and several other matters. I await the outcome of the review, and I shall receive it without fear or favour.”
In a separate development, a concerned citizen has written to Governor Rankin, advocating for the removal of Commissioner Collins to facilitate an impartial and independent investigation into serious allegations, including evidence tampering within the RVIPF. The citizen’s letter, dated November 2, emphasizes the need for a fair and transparent investigation, independent of Commissioner Collins and other high-ranking officers mentioned in the allegations.
Commissioner Collins, present at a press conference on October 12, 2023, initiated by Governor Rankin and Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, described the situation as “an internal matter.” He clarified that the issue involved a conflict between two officers and a leaked email related to their dispute, asserting he had “nothing to hide.”
The unfolding investigation promises to cast a spotlight on the RVIPF’s leadership, with the public eagerly awaiting the results of the independent review ordered by Governor Rankin.
Police are urgently searching for the driver involved in a dramatic hit-and-run collision that left a female pedestrian injured after she was struck and flung into the air along the Dual Carriage Highway Thursday night.
According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the incident occurred shortly after 8:00 p.m. on February 19, 2026, in the vicinity of Delta Gas Station in Pasea Estate.
Preliminary reports indicate that the woman was crossing the eastbound lane of the roadway when she was struck by a vehicle traveling west to east. Although the driver reportedly attempted to brake, the vehicle was unable to avoid impact. The force of the collision sent the pedestrian airborne before she crashed onto the roadway.
In a troubling development, the vehicle did not stop. Instead, the driver fled the scene immediately after the collision, leaving the injured woman lying on the highway.
Emergency Medical Services responded swiftly and transported the victim to Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital for treatment. Her condition remains unknown at this time.
The RVIPF has launched an active investigation into the hit-and-run and is appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or have information that could help identify the vehicle or driver involved.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).
Police say further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, working alongside other law enforcement partners, intercepted a vessel and recovered a quantity of illegal narcotics during a joint operation last night, December 8, police said.
In a brief statement, the RVIPF confirmed that the operation resulted in the seizure of the drugs but did not disclose the type or quantity recovered. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and described it as dynamic, noting that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley criticised Governor Daniel Pruce’s appointment of Richard Ulger as interim acting police commissioner, saying the decision sidestepped the established process and failed to respect the advice of the Police Service Commission.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Nov. 21, Wheatley said the Police Service Commission had already submitted a recommendation for a substantive Police Commissioner and that this recommendation is expected to come before the National Security Council soon. The Governor’s decision, he argued, pre-empted that process and created unnecessary tension around a critical public-security appointment.
“In my view, it would have been better to conclude that process before appointing an interim acting commissioner,” Wheatley said. “The Police Service Commission has made a recommendation, and that recommendation should have been allowed to proceed.”
The Premier also noted that Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool was returned to her substantive post of Deputy Commissioner after serving as Commissioner for one year. While acknowledging that Governor Pruce acted within his constitutional authority, Wheatley expressed concern about how the authority was used.
“Though the Governor is within his constitutional rights, I am concerned that the way his discretion has been exercised is not in keeping with the modern partnership that the United Kingdom has committed to,” he said. “The process has been poorly handled and does not reflect transparency, good governance, or sensitivity to the legitimate concerns of the people of the Virgin Islands.”
The decision follows a week of public demonstrations, during which residents peacefully protested what they viewed as political overreach. Wheatley said he and his colleagues in the House of Assembly supported the public’s right to assemble. “Persons exercised their democratic right to assemble and peacefully protest,” he said. “We respected and supported that right.”
Wheatley said he raised his concerns directly with Steven Doughty, the United Kingdom Minister for the Overseas Territories, during a call on Wednesday. He added that he has also been in ongoing dialogue with Governor Bruce through Cabinet and the National Security Council.
The Premier linked the controversy to a broader constitutional conversation in the Territory. “The handling of this matter underscores the importance of negotiating a constitution that provides greater democratic accountability to the people of the Virgin Islands,” he said. “This includes devolving more responsibility to the elected government, including responsibility for internal security.”
Wheatley is scheduled to depart the Territory on Friday for the Joint Ministerial Council meetings in London, which he will co-chair in his capacity as President of the Political Council of UK Overseas Territories. The JMC, hosted by Minister Doughty at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, is the highest-level annual forum for dialogue between Overseas Territory leaders and His Majesty’s Government.
This year’s meeting, he said, “forms part of a broader reset in the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Overseas Territories.” The UK Government is expected to introduce a proposed Charter on Engagement, outlining new principles for transparency, communication, and collaboration. Leaders will also discuss bilateral compacts, long-term frameworks designed to strengthen planning and clarify shared priorities between the UK and participating territories.
Throughout the week, Overseas Territory leaders are scheduled to take part in plenary sessions, technical workshops, and political engagements covering security, development, governance, and economic planning. As Chair of the UK Overseas Territories Association, the Virgin Islands will play a central role in shaping collective positions.
Wheatley said he intends to continue voicing the concerns of Virgin Islanders at every level of discussion. “I will continue to engage in respectful dialogue with the Minister for the Overseas Territories and the Governor as we remain steadfast in defense of the security of the people of the Virgin Islands and their democratic rights,” he said.
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