Local News
An Absolute Travesty: Sixth District Representative Condemns Police Amendment Bill Over Privacy Risks
“An Absolute Travesty”: Sixth District Representative Condemns Police Amendment Bill Over Privacy Risks
Sixth District Representative Myron V. Walwyn has voiced fierce objections to the proposed Police Amendment Bill 2024, during the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on 7 January.
Mr Walwyn condemned the push to pass the bill through all three readings in one sitting, warning of potential infringements on citizens’ fundamental rights and criticising the lack of public consultation on its far-reaching implications.
“I rise on a point of privilege to echo my very serious concerns with this proposed Police Act amendment going through the first, second, and third stages in one sitting, Madam Speaker,” said Mr Walwyn.
Walwyn highlighted the bill’s potential to infringe on privacy rights guaranteed under the 2007 Constitutional Order. He underscored the absence of public engagement, calling for greater transparency.
“There are some very serious incursions on the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens of this country. We have not been able, Madam Speaker, to make the public fully aware as to what is contained in this bill and the possible implications on their right to privacy,” he said.
Walwyn’s plea for broader consultation was ultimately put to a vote. All government members voted in favour of advancing the bill, while five opposition members, including Walwyn, voted against. One opposition member, Hon. Lorna Smith, abstained.
With a majority of votes in favour, the bill advanced to its third reading, despite Walwyn’s concerns. Legislators commenced debating the bill, continuing discussions when the House resumed sitting today, 8 January.
District Two Representative Hon. Melvin M. Turnbull joined Walwyn in voicing objections.
“I want to also support the sentiments raised by the member for the sixth district regarding this bill and trying to get it to first, second, and third reading. Madam Speaker, this is a new session of the House of Assembly. This Police Act has come and tried to come to this House in many different palm shapes and sizes,” Turnbull remarked.
He expressed unease with the manner in which the bill was being presented, warning of its potential impact on law enforcement and the public.
Hon. Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull
“We have to be careful in what we’re doing. We understand the nature of what we’re dealing with in our territory. It is how we’re doing it, Madam Speaker, and we have to be responsible in how we are presenting something like this to the public. Because it not just affects the police and their ability to do their job, it affects the general public and the people that we are responsible for and our families,” Turnbull said.
Walwyn and Turnbull’s critiques reflect mounting concern over the bill’s potential consequences and the perceived haste in its passage. Walwyn described the process as a disservice to the public, stating, “Madam Speaker, I couldn’t sit here because it will be a travesty. It will be a travesty, an absolute travesty, if you want to do this in this honourable house.”
A woman is in critical condition following a serious motorcycle accident that occurred on Thursday afternoon, April 17, in Fish Bay.
According to reports, the incident occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. The woman, who was a pillion passenger on the motorcycle, was reportedly going in and out of consciousness at the scene. The male rider did not appear to be injured.
The injured woman was transported to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. Her condition has been listed as serious.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution when traveling along the winding stretch of road in Fish Bay, particularly during wet or slick conditions.
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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.
The British Virgin Islands is participating in the Subzonal 2.3.3 Absolute and Women’s Chess Championships, taking place from April 11 to 18 at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Center in St. Ann’s, Trinidad and Tobago.
The tournament, sanctioned by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), brings together players from across the Caribbean and parts of Central America, including representatives from Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and others.
Representing the BVI in the Absolute Section are Simon Potter and Jordan Hinds. In the Women’s Section, Alexis Ganigan and Tiandra Scatliffe are competing. The event is organized by the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association in conjunction with the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA).
The Subzonal tournament serves as a qualifier for future zonal and continental events under the FIDE calendar. According to the TTCA, this year’s competition includes nine rounds under classical time control and follows international pairing standards.
Updates and full standings are available via the official tournament website at chesstt.org.
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