The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has taken a step to curb the ongoing problem of illegal and unregulated motorbikes by launching a new enforcement campaign to crush unclaimed, unlawfully operated bikes and scooters.

The initiative, which began on April 28, 2025, targets vehicles that have been seized but remain unclaimed and are no longer required as evidence in active investigations. In the past, unclaimed bikes were auctioned to the public, but this practice often resulted in the same bikes reappearing on the roads, violating traffic and safety regulations and creating a resource strain on the police.

Commissioner of Police (Ag.) Jacqueline E. Vanterpool emphasized the importance of the initiative in maintaining road safety and upholding the rule of law.

“This move underscores our commitment to road safety and accountability,” Vanterpool said. “We can no longer allow our compound to become a revolving door for illegal bikes. By taking this action, we are sending a strong message to those who choose not to follow the law.”

The operation commenced with the removal and destruction of dozens of motorbikes from the Road Town Police Station, supported by the Department of Waste Management. Only those vehicles not connected to active court matters or ongoing investigations were selected for crushing.

The RVIPF is urging all motorbike owners to ensure their vehicles are properly licensed, insured, and roadworthy in accordance with Virgin Islands law, as the crushing initiative is expected to continue as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and resource management.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed that two men arrested in connection with a firearm and ammunition recovery on Thursday, April 24, have been released from custody without charge.

According to an RVIPF statement, the men were discharged due to insufficient evidence at this stage to clearly establish a link between them and the recovered items.

The initial incident occurred during the early morning hours of April 24, when officers responded to a report of two masked men seen near a popular local bank. Upon arrival, officers recovered a firearm and several rounds of ammunition, leading to the arrest of the two masked individuals.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool praised the officers involved for their swift response.

The investigation remains active as detectives work to uncover further details.

The RVIPF remains committed to thoroughly pursuing all leads and will provide additional updates as new information becomes available.

The police are urging anyone with information related to this incident to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.

Six students from Elmore Stoutt High School recently got a rare, hands-on look at the inner workings of the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) through the company’s first-ever Job Training Mentorship Programme — and both the students and their mentors are calling it a major success.

The two-week initiative, which ran from March 31 to April 11, gave Grade 11 students a chance to work closely with experienced BVIEC staff across several departments, from engineering and planning to finance and customer service.

“This was more than just job shadowing,” said Tamara George-Barry, the manager of People, Culture and Talent Services at BVIEC and the driving force behind the programme. “We wanted to provide real mentorship and give these young people meaningful exposure to the energy industry.”

The first group of student participants included Michael-Anson Findlay, Kerdella Carter, Caheem Henry, Kh’Mouri Anthony, Ranaldo Francis, and Amari Johnson. Each student was paired with a mentor in one of BVIEC’s core departments.

Three of the students — Findlay, Henry, and Johnson — worked in the Transmission and Distribution Department, where they learned about power lines, metering, cable jointing, and system planning. Anthony and Francis were based in the Generation Department, where they got up close with the mechanical and electrical side of power production. Carter, the group’s only finance trainee, explored customer service, billing, and accounts payable in the Finance Department.

At the end of the programme, the students gave presentations on what they’d learned to an audience that included their mentors, senior management, and other BVIEC staff. It was a proud moment for everyone involved.

Several students were also recognized for their standout contributions. Anthony and Francis took home the “Photo Challenge” award for their creative documentation of their time in the Generation Department. Findlay was named “Best Presenter,” and Henry received the “Most Improved” award for completing and submitting his project early, even though he was unable to attend the final presentations due to illness.

All six students received certificates of completion.

George-Barry said the idea for the programme came after conversations with guidance counselors and families at ESHS. “We wanted to make sure that when students come to BVIEC for job training, they’re not just sitting at a desk. They’re learning, asking questions, and getting inspired,” she said.

Before starting, the students went through a full orientation that covered BVIEC’s mission, values, safety protocols, and what to expect during their placements.

“This first group set the bar high,” George-Barry added. “We’re incredibly proud of them, and we can’t wait to grow the programme in the future.”

BVIEC’s new mentorship initiative is part of a wider effort to invest in the BVI’s future workforce and inspire young minds to consider careers in energy, engineering, and public service.