While supporting aspects of the Police Amendment Bill 2024 that aim to enhance law enforcement capabilities, Hon. Sharie B. de Castro cautioned against provisions that could grant unchecked powers to the police. Her remarks came during the continuation of the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on January 8, as she called for reforms that balance stronger law enforcement with safeguarding human rights and addressing the root causes of crime.

“The police must walk with integrity. They cannot uphold the law while simultaneously disregarding it themselves. Everyone must play by the rules,” de Castro asserted, emphasizing the importance of accountability and trust in the justice system.

De Castro voiced concern about the erosion of public trust in law enforcement and its effect on community engagement. “How many in our community trust the system of policing?” she questioned. “How many see themselves becoming a part of that system or pursuing careers in law enforcement, the DPP’s office, or defense? The reality is, not many. That is a problem we must address.”

She advocated for reforms that empower law enforcement while ensuring officers operate within clear ethical boundaries and remain accountable for their actions.

De Castro urged her colleagues to closely scrutinize sections of the bill that might infringe upon fundamental rights. She stressed that public safety legislation must include safeguards to prevent abuse of power.

“We must ensure this legislation does not give individuals immunity to act without accountability. Such provisions would undermine public trust in the very system we are trying to strengthen,” she argued.

Connecting public safety with social development, de Castro highlighted the need for greater investment in infrastructure, education, and youth programs. She emphasized that sustainable reform requires a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of crime and provides young people with opportunities to thrive.

“Our schools must be environments that reinforce discipline and provide opportunities, not breeding grounds for negative influences,” she said, citing her ministry’s zero-tolerance approach to serious misbehavior as part of a broader effort to guide youth toward positive alternatives.

As the bill advanced to the Committee stage, de Castro expressed confidence in the ability of her fellow legislators to refine it. She urged collaboration to ensure the legislation achieves its objectives without compromising public trust or human rights.

“This bill is a step forward, but it must be one that balances the needs of law enforcement with the rights and trust of the people we serve,” de Castro concluded, reiterating her vision for a safer and more equitable territory.

Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley addressed the longstanding delay in establishing a Human Rights Commission in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) at the continuation of the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on 8 January.

Hon. Wheatley emphasised that the concept of a Human Rights Commission was embedded in the 2007 Constitution, yet successive legislatures had failed to implement it. “We had an opportunity, over many years, to bring in a Human Rights Commission,” he noted. “The purpose of this Commission is to ensure that we don’t have poor sense human rights violated. All of the rights we want to protect are right there in the rights and freedom section of the Constitution.”

The Premier highlighted that the current reliance on legal recourse to address human rights violations often excludes those who cannot afford expensive legal representation. “The concept of the Human Rights Commission is not for you to have to spend a whole bunch of money to go to a lawyer or go to court,” Dr. Wheatley explained. “It is about having a commission tasked with investigating violations of human rights.”

Acknowledging past inaction, he vowed that the current legislature would correct this oversight. “That Constitution came in 2007, and it’s going to take this legislature, in 2025, to pass it. I’m not one to cry over spilt milk. We are going to bring the Human Rights Commission and ensure we have a mechanism in place to protect persons’ human rights from abuses.”

Dr. Wheatley also commended members of the opposition and his government for their contributions to refining oversight mechanisms in proposed legislation, particularly regarding police powers and prosecutorial balance. He highlighted the research and recommendations of the Sixth District Representative and the Deputy Premier, who advocated for a more balanced approach in the bill under discussion.

“The Deputy Premier made an excellent point that you need to get the other side so that the bill can have balance,” Dr. Wheatley said. “While we want to give the police the power, we must ensure the bill leans towards fairness for all.”