Crime/Police
Masked Vandals Snatch Marckenson Flag from Mr Nice Guy Virgin Gorda Premises
In a daring act of vandalism, the flag bearing the insignia of Marckenson Airconditioning was forcibly removed from its pole last night, March 29, in front of Mr. Nice store in Virgin Gorda.
The perpetrators, three masked men dressed in black, brazenly cut the ropes securing the flag and made their getaway at the back of the premises.
The circumstances surrounding the flag’s disappearance this morning were captured in detail by CCTV camera footage.
Markenson Tima, the visionary behind Marckenson Airconditioning, had recently inked a distribution agreement with Mr. Nice Guy. As part of their promotional efforts, a brand flag was installed in front of Mr. Nice Guy’s store just last week.
For Tima, this incident strikes at the heart of his deeply held commitment to the British Virgin Islands (BVI). “BVI is my second home,” he declares, his voice resolute. “Everything I can do for BVI, I will do to make BVI great.”
Undeterred by the setback, Tima reaffirms his dedication to serving the people of the BVI. “I want everyone in the territory to know that whatever I bring is not to compete with anyone,” he asserts. “I created a brand for the people of the BVI so that we do not have to go off-island like Puerto Rico and other places for AC units. We have our own.”
Acknowledging potential dissent towards his brand, Tima extends a message of unity. “I understand that some people do not like my brand, but do not take it personally, it’s all about the BVI,” he emphasises. “I believe that once you live here, you need to build the country.”
Drawing parallels with successful ventures in Puerto Rico, Tima underscores the economic potential of locally-owned enterprises. “Puerto Rico has TGM, AirCon, Madea, Gree. They belong to a man like me,” he notes. “And we are going to them to shop. If I can do it for us in the BVI and generate external business, people should know that this will only benefit us in the long run.”
As Marckenson Airconditioning grapples with the aftermath of the flag theft, Tima remains steadfast in his mission to elevate the BVI’s economic landscape.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.
RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.
“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”
To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.
If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging residents and business owners in East End, Tortola, to tighten security in light of a recent surge in burglaries plaguing the area. Over the past week, more than seven incidents have been reported, with hotspots including the neighborhoods of Greenland and Long Look.
The RVIPF is responding to this concerning trend by increasing patrols and advising the public to proactively secure their properties. Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool emphasized the value of functional security systems, particularly CCTV cameras, as both deterrents and critical tools for investigators.
Protective Measures Suggested by RVIPF
To prevent further incidents and aid in investigations, the RVIPF recommends a series of crime prevention strategies:
- Install and Maintain CCTV Systems: Ensure cameras are positioned to cover entry points and remain operational.
- Lock All Entry Points: Secure doors and windows, especially at night or when properties are vacant.
- Utilize Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights can deter intruders by increasing visibility.
- Establish Neighborhood Watch Networks: Keep neighbors informed and report any suspicious activity to the RVIPF promptly.
“The safety of our communities is a priority,” said Acting Commissioner Vanterpool. “But we need the public’s partnership to address these crimes effectively. Functional CCTV systems, secure properties, and vigilant reporting can go a long way in deterring criminal activity.”
Additional patrols have been deployed in the Eastern districts, and detectives are actively investigating the recent burglaries. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).
An attempted armed robbery at Matcha’s Bar and Grill on Fort Hill was thwarted this afternoon when the proprietor successfully evaded an armed assailant. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM on November 4, when a masked individual, reportedly carrying a high-powered weapon, approached the popular establishment with apparent intentions to rob it.
According to initial reports, the gunman was unable to carry out the robbery and left the premises empty-handed. No shots were fired, and there are no reports of injuries to the proprietor or any patrons.
Police are currently conducting an investigation. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has not yet released further details.
This story is developing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
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