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‘Complexity’ blamed for missed law enforcement reform deadlines

Governor John Rankin has acknowledged that several missed deadlines arising from the framework of Commission of Inquiry (COI) reforms were due to what he described as complexities.

The missed deadlines he spoke about in his first quarterly report issued recently is in relation to the implementation of recommendations B38 and B41 in the framework document. These recommendations speak to a review of the territory’s law enforcement and justice system (subject areas for which the governor is directly responsible) and the facilities and powers which the agencies have to detect crime and prepare matters for prosecution. 

Rankin noted that these missed deadlines was as a result of the complexity of the review and the need to secure a panel with the expertise to ensure a professional, independent review. 

“I am pleased that His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has agreed to lead the review, which the UK Government has agreed to fund,” Governor Rankin stated. 

The governor shared that a panel led by the UK HM Inspectorate will visit the territory in the coming months to carry out the work in cooperation with the law enforcement and justice agencies. 

In his report, the governor reiterated that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was agreed between the relevant agencies and approved by the National Security Council (NSC) in June.

The MOU has meant there is now a division of responsibility for security of all ports and airports. These have been placed under the command of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) until security concerns are effectively addressed and new constitutional and legal arrangements are considered. 

While the governor said that the agreement under the MOU is working well so far with additional officers due to be deployed, he cautioned that it was still in the relatively early stages.

He also added that additional RVIPF access and responsibility for security at ports and airports, working with other agencies, will enhance protection for the BVI.

 

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10 Comments

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  1. Sensible Governor says:

    What you are saying makes complete sense Governor. Please take over the effective running of the bvi. Sl**anda and his crew are over their heads.

    Like 25
    Dislike 5
  2. TurtleDove says:

    The COI was needed and was a good thing. Now lets not screw it up by unrealistic deadlines and haste. We should not sit on it and not make progress but it should be done right the first time or what’s the point of it all.

    The point should be to get it done right not fast.

    Like 21
    Dislike 1
  3. Simplify says:

    the law enforcement and justice system by:

    1) Stop the nepotism in these areas.
    2) Advertise all new or vacant positions off island.
    3) Hire only the most competent regardless of their birth island or nationality.
    4) Institute a BVI Bar exam for all lawyers who are hired to practice law in the BVI. The passing grade is 50 out of 100 pts. The Bar exam should be 10 hand written 3 hr. exams with 2 exams a day for 5 days. Only pencil/pen and paper allowed in exam room.

    Like 10
    Dislike 1
  4. Truth says:

    Hence why we need a constitutionally due election. Once those persons are in place we are certain for effective and progressive results. Consider pulling the constituting and the 13 don’t produce but they will

  5. Anonymous says:

    Whoever you are (the governor) you’re as d**b as d**b can be. Do you have kids that you have to discipline every so often, would you like the police come and take them from you saying you’re abusive?

  6. Rubber Chicken says:

    Everyday, I get more and more convinced that we need to join with the USVI. The Governor and our local leaders are failing us. The US would clean up this place in no time!

    Like 3
    Dislike 10
  7. @rubber chicken says:

    The US would clean us up and clean us OUT! Better the UK suspend our constitution, allowing us the time to rebuild our own political and social framework than be ruled by the same masters of racial disenfranchisement that rule next door.

    Your convictions are ill conceived.

  8. What I heard says:

    What I heard is that the governor missed his own deadline.

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  9. ONE DAY says:

    U HYPOCRITES WILL OPEN YOUR EYES ? AND STOP TRYING TO FOOL THE PEOPLE WHO GAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME TO BRING BACK SOME INTEGRITY FOR YOURSELF THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY THAT WE CAN BE PROUD OF (STOUTT DID IT ) WITH PRIDE / WHICH AMONGST YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR YOUR GOOD DEEDS IN HISTORY WHEN YOU DIE / AND WE WILL

  10. Wow says:

    The same S* who ordered the police to set his family free after they were caught with illegal substances. Ok if you say so.

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