Crime/Police
Senior Magistrate Dismisses Case Against Walwyn and Stevens in High-Profile ESHS Wall Project
Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards has dismissed the case against former Education and Culture Minister Myron V. Walwyn and former assistant secretary Lorna Stevens, ruling there was no case to answer in the breach of trust charges brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The ruling, delivered today, January 21, followed a preliminary inquiry into allegations related to the controversial Elmore Stoutt High School perimeter wall project.
The decision effectively ends the prosecution’s case, with the Senior Magistrate finding insufficient evidence in the arguments presented. The dismissal brings to a close a chapter in the long-running investigation into the wall project, which has been the subject of public scrutiny for years.
The perimeter wall project, initiated in December 2014 under Mr. Walwyn’s tenure, has faced persistent criticism for budget overruns, alleged mismanagement, and a failure to deliver value for taxpayers. Despite more than $1 million spent, the project was never completed, as revealed in a 2018 report by Auditor General Sonia Webster.
Ms. Webster’s report highlighted significant concerns, including contract splitting into over 70 work orders and 15 petty contracts, many awarded to contractors without trade licenses. She concluded that the Ministry of Education and Culture failed to ensure proper oversight, resulting in overspending and poor value for public funds.
The findings of the Auditor General spurred a police investigation in March 2019. However, updates on the case were sparse until October 2022, when Ms. Stevens and Mr. Walwyn were arrested and charged. Ms. Stevens, who assisted with oversight of the project, was accused of breaching public trust.
The wall project was revisited in 2021 during the Commission of Inquiry (COI) led by Sir Gary Hickinbottom. In his April 2022 report, Sir Gary reiterated the concerns raised by Ms. Webster, labeling the project’s management as “extraordinary” and emphasizing the risks associated with the use of multiple unlicensed contractors. He recommended that the police investigation proceed without interference.
“The construction of a single wall involved 70 different contractors, the majority of whom had no constructor’s trade license, in circumstances which disregarded the increased costs and complexity,” Sir Gary wrote in his report. “This inevitably put at risk any desire to get the works completed at speed, as those involved, including [Mr. Walwyn], well knew.”
Senior Magistrate Richards’ findings signal a significant setback for the prosecution. Legal observers note that the court’s ruling raises questions about the strength of the evidence and the strategy employed in pursuing the charges.
Acting Commissioner and Governor Outline Key Initiatives and Vision for the Year Ahead
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) convened its first Force Meeting of 2025 under the leadership of Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool. The meeting, attended by His Excellency the Governor and members of the Police Service Commission, served as a platform to highlight achievements from the past year and unveil strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the Force’s capabilities and public trust.
His Excellency the Governor announced a robust package of support from the United Kingdom, set to begin in February, that underscores a long-term commitment to bolstering the RVIPF. Two senior UK officers will be deployed to assist in critical areas, including organisational priorities and completing Volume 2 of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) law review recommendations.
“These officers will provide vital expertise to support the Force’s ongoing transformation,” the Governor stated. He emphasised that their work will be directly aligned with the RVIPF’s leadership under Acting Commissioner Vanterpool.
Additional measures include specialised training and equipment upgrades for the Marine Unit, mentoring for the Intelligence Department, and the introduction of comprehensive vetting processes across law enforcement agencies following formal agreements.
The Governor also provided updates on the upcoming selection process for a permanent Commissioner of Police, which is expected to begin in the latter half of 2025 and could span six months.
Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool used the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of RVIPF officers throughout 2024, noting progress in technology, infrastructure, and operational efficiency.
“Our officers worked tirelessly last year, and their efforts have laid a strong foundation for continued success,” Vanterpool said.
She announced several key milestones, including the confirmation of officers to the Permanent and Pensionable establishment and long-awaited promotions from Sergeants to Chief Inspectors.
Reiterating her commitment to accountability, the Acting Commissioner declared, “Under my leadership, any officer caught breaking the law will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.” She also emphasized a renewed focus on community engagement, promising increased visibility across all levels of the Force.
The meeting reinforced the RVIPF’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability. Plans for 2025 include strengthening partnerships with local, regional, and international stakeholders to address evolving challenges and build trust with the public.
Crime/Police
12 BVI Police Officers on Interdiction Amid Corruption Allegations, Some Arrested and Charged
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reinforced its commitment to addressing corruption within its ranks, Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool announced during a press conference held today, January 15, at Police Headquarters.
In response to recommendations from a recent commission of inquiry, the RVIPF has fully staffed its Professional Standards Unit. The unit now comprises a chief inspector, an inspector, a sergeant, and two constables, tasked with handling public complaints about police misconduct.
“We have staffed the Professional Standards Unit with personnel dedicated to addressing complaints of corruption made by the public against police officers,” Acting Commissioner Vanterpool stated. “We ensure that these complaints are dealt with fairly and transparently. The public can rest assured that all corruption complaints are being addressed, and we will not tolerate any officer found to be corrupt remaining in this organisation.”
The Acting Commissioner revealed that there are currently 12 officers on interdiction, a step taken following allegations of corruption within the force. “Some have been arrested and charged, and are now before the court and are awaiting the outcome of the trials.” she explained.
Last week Police Constable Earlando Baynes, was charged following an internal investigation into a significant security breach. The breach, which occurred during a planned police operation in November 2024, involved the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information. This jeopardised the operation’s success and raised serious concerns about law enforcement integrity. Following the investigation, Baynes was arrested and charged with Breach of Trust by a Public Officer.
Commissioner Vanterpool acknowledged past challenges with public confidence due to a lack of communication about how complaints were handled. To address this, the RVIPF has implemented measures to keep the public informed about the status and outcomes of complaints.
“Over the years, there were concerns that complaints were made, but the public wasn’t hearing what the police were doing about them,” she said. “We’ve now improved in this area, and we are informing the public about what has been done, what remains outstanding, and what our goals are in handling these cases.”
While admitting there have been missteps in the past, Commissioner Vanterpool emphasised that significant improvements have been made in addressing complaints effectively and efficiently.
“Going forward, the Professional Standards Unit will continue to ensure that all complaints go through the proper processes, with every step completed thoroughly,” she added.
The Acting Commissioner reiterated the RVIPF’s commitment to fairness and transparency in rooting out corruption and restoring public trust.
The British Virgin Islands saw a 12% rise in crime in 2024 compared to the previous year, a surge largely attributed to the activities of the “Money Boys Gang,” Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool revealed during a press conference at Police Headquarters.
The gang has been linked to a series of burglaries, robberies, and vehicular thefts that plagued the territory throughout the year.
“We grappled with the gang for several months, and toward the end of November, we were able to limit their ability to commit crimes,” Commissioner Vanterpool stated. “Working with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the courts, we were successful in arresting and remanding several of the key players. Indeed, some of them have already been found guilty or pleaded guilty as charged.”
Despite these challenges, Commissioner Vanterpool highlighted the success of police efforts in ensuring a “safe, enjoyable, and largely crime-free” festive season, commending the sacrifices made by officers.
The Acting Commissioner reaffirmed the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force’s (RVIPF) commitment to maintaining public safety.
“As Commissioner, you have my word that I and my officers will lead with and leverage every resource available to us to tackle the crime situation so that the BVI remains one of the safest places to live, work, and vacation,” she said.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts as authorities continue their crackdown on organized crime.
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