Local News
Premier Calls for Swift Passage of Police Amendment Bill to Combat Money Laundering
Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, addressing the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Tuesday, January 7, made a passionate appeal for the swift passage of the Police Amendment Bill 2024. The bill, first introduced last December, aims to rectify critical deficiencies in the British Virgin Islands’ legal framework, particularly concerning money laundering investigations and international cooperation.
Premier Wheatley emphasised the importance of compliance with recommendations from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). “While these ratings are an indication of our commitment and diligence to satisfying our obligations, they also point out the need for further enhancement of our legal framework,” he stated.
He highlighted specific areas requiring urgent reform, including the investigative powers of law enforcement and the ability to effectively combat financial crimes. He pointed to gaps in recommendation thirty-one and immediate outcomes seven and eight of the CFATF Mutual Evaluation Report (MER).
“The MER discloses that our policing framework lacks the advanced investigative techniques necessary for confronting complex investigations such as controlled deliveries and undercover operations,” Premier Wheatley said. He underscored the need to empower law enforcement with tools for production, search, and seizure, not only for domestic cases but also for international cooperation.
“These amendments are vital to reinforcing our legal framework, enhancing cooperation among domestic and international agencies, and aligning our strategic initiatives with international standards and global best practices,” he added.
Premier Wheatley also reflected on the territory’s historical reputation for peace and low crime rates, contrasting it with current challenges. “Madam Speaker, we all grew up in a Virgin Islands which was peaceful. You could go several years without even having one murder,” he said. Despite recent upticks in crime, he maintained, “We are still relatively low crime.”
He criticised those seeking to politicise the bill, stressing its urgency and importance. “I would not return this new session for a second and third reading unless it was of the utmost urgency,” he declared.
The bill introduces sections 30(5)(b) and 30(5)(c), aimed at bolstering law enforcement’s effectiveness in combating financial offenses and ensuring compliance with international standards. These provisions are designed to enable the confiscation of criminal proceeds, facilitate the return of stolen assets, and deny criminals the benefits of their illegal activities.
“By equipping our law enforcement with the necessary powers and tools to thoroughly investigate and prosecute money laundering offenses, we are not just fulfilling our international obligations but creating an environment that allows for the proper detection and punishment of criminal activities,” the Premier said.
He closed his remarks with a call for collective action to protect the territory’s reputation as a secure financial center. “We must act resolutely to increase our compliance ratings, address the deficiencies identified in the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force Report, and maintain the Virgin Islands’ reputation as a secure and stable financial center,” he urged.
The Police Amendment Bill 2024 is expected to undergo its second and third readings in the coming weeks, with hopes of swift passage to address the pressing legal and policing challenges facing the territory.
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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