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High Court Dismisses Retirement Age Claims by Former RVIPF Officers
High Court Judge Stanley John today, February 28, dismissed all claims brought by former British Virgin Islands (BVI) police officers challenging their retirement under the Retirement Age Act, 2016. The plaintiffs—Hendrickson Williams, Augustus Bruce, Teddy Creque, Calvin James, Dennis Jones and George Mason — contended that their mandatory retirement at age 65 was unconstitutional and sought reinstatement.
The officers argued that sections 5(2), 5(3), and 5(4) of the Retirement Age Act, which mandate retirement at 65, conflicted with section 66(4) of the Police Act (Cap 165) and section 7(9) of the same Act. They claimed these provisions violated their constitutional rights under sections 9, 12, 16(9), 31, and 97 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007.
However, Justice John found no constitutional breaches, ruling that the Retirement Age Act’s provisions are consistent with the Police Act and the Constitution. He stressed that the mandatory retirement age of 65 applies uniformly across the public service, including the police force, and does not infringe upon the officers’ rights.
As of now, representatives for the former officers have not announced whether they plan to appeal the decision.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is urging residents to exercise caution following a second armed robbery targeting individuals withdrawing cash from an ATM in recent weeks. The latest incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on February 28 at the Banco Popular ATM, mirroring a similar robbery at the same location on January 11.
In both cases, victims had just withdrawn cash when they were confronted by armed assailants who forcibly took their money before fleeing. The incidents have raised concerns over the safety of late-night ATM transactions and prompted law enforcement to implement additional security measures.
In response to the robberies, the RVIPF has increased police patrols in the area and expanded surveillance through additional CCTV coverage. Authorities are also urging the public to take extra precautions, particularly when making withdrawals at night.
Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis stressed the importance of crime prevention efforts by both law enforcement and the community. He explained that street crimes often occur when three key elements converge: a motivated offender, a vulnerable victim, and a lack of capable guardianship. By working together, he said, police and the public can disrupt these factors and reduce the likelihood of criminal activity. He advised individuals to vary their routines, such as withdrawal times and locations, to avoid becoming predictable targets. He also underscored the importance of security enhancements, including improved lighting, CCTV monitoring, police patrols, and neighborhood watch programs, which can act as deterrents.
The RVIPF is advising residents to avoid withdrawing cash late at night whenever possible and to use well-lit ATMs in busy, populated areas. Individuals are urged to remain aware of their surroundings and stay alert for suspicious activity before using an ATM. Police also recommend considering digital payment methods as an alternative to carrying cash.
Authorities continue to investigate both robberies and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. Individuals with knowledge of the perpetrators or any suspicious activity near the ATM are urged to contact the police via the non-emergency number 311, the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or (284) 800-8477 (TIPS) for international callers.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is investigating the overnight theft of two rental vehicles from MR Rentals in Paraquita Bay.
According to the RVIPF, suspects forced entry into the business before stealing the vehicles.
Investigators are also reviewing an attempted break-in at another rental company in West End, which may indicate a broader pattern of criminal activity.
Authorities warn that the stolen vehicles could be used in other crimes and may have altered license plates to evade detection. The RVIPF is treating the matter as urgent and is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Anyone with information, regardless of how minor, is encouraged to contact the RVIPF non-emergency line at 311, the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or submit anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS).
Police emphasiSe that community vigilance and prompt reporting can assist in preventing further criminal activity.
Adrianne Thomas will represent the British Virgin Islands (BVI) today, Friday, 28 February, at the UK Youth Parliament in the House of Commons, London. Thomas is the first young person from the BVI to participate in the event. She is scheduled to speak at 12:10 PM UK time (8:10 AM BVI time).
The UK Youth Parliament consists of over 300 elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) aged 11-18 from across the UK, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies. These young leaders gather annually in the House of Commons to debate key issues affecting their generation.
This year’s topics include lowering the voting age to 16, providing free public transport for young people, and ensuring access to free period products in public spaces. Thomas was selected to speak after the first-ever “Make Your Mark” ballot was conducted during UK Parliament Week in December 2024.
Over 2,900 young people from the Overseas Territories participated in the vote, with “Education and Learning: school/college and access to university and apprenticeships” emerging as the top priority. Thomas will present her speech during a Special Segment, addressing the House from the Despatch Box.
Ahead of today’s event, the BVI London Office hosted the 2025 Overseas Territories Youth Summit on 27 February at BVI House in London. Organised by the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) and chaired by BVI’s Malia Choucoutou, the summit focused on topics such as neurodiversity in education, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration. Participants discussed ways to create more inclusive policies and opportunities for young people in the Overseas Territories.
Tracy Bradshaw, the UK Representative to the Government of the British Virgin Islands and current Chair of UKOTA, described the summit as an important platform for young people across the territories to exchange ideas and explore ways to drive positive change. The UK Youth Parliament session will be streamed live with a 20-minute delay on parliamentlive.tv and YouTube, allowing viewers in the BVI and around the world to follow the debates.
Second Armed Robbery at Banco Popular ATM Prompts Police Warning
High Court Dismisses Retirement Age Claims by Former RVIPF Officers
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