Controversial Police Act passed in HOA
The Police Act passed in the House of Assembly yesterday, January 9, following days of heated debate among elected officials.
Lawmakers deliberated over the controversial provisions to strengthen the police force’s ability to combat crime in the Virgin Islands.
The Act introduces measures such as electronic surveillance, covert operations, and controlled deliveries. These provisions drew concerns from some members regarding potential human rights infringements. Health Minister Vincent Wheatley, while offering his support, underscored the importance of safeguarding fundamental rights.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley acknowledged the legislation’s complexities and called for a reflective approach.
“The approach we’ve taken in the past is partly the reason we are in the situation we’re in right now as it pertains to crime. A responsible approach is to ensure that we get the legislation into this House and we do what needs to be done to make sure it’s fit for purpose,” Wheatley said. He added that the bill addresses international obligations while seeking to strengthen domestic crime prevention measures.
Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton expressed apprehension about the implications of the Act, particularly the lack of exemptions for public officials and potential misuse of powers. “These things will be used on our people, and the results you will not like to see,” Skelton stated.
Meanwhile, Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn raised questions about the adequacy of safeguards in the Act, particularly regarding privacy rights.
“The provisions do not sufficiently secure the fundamental rights to privacy of the people of the Virgin Islands,” Walwyn argued. He called for additional checks and balances to protect innocent individuals from unintended consequences. “We want to capture criminals. We all want to capture criminals. But you see how innocent people can get caught up,” he cautioned.
Despite the Opposition’s reservations, the Act secured enough support to pass. Premier Wheatley called the move a significant step towards modernising the police force. He acknowledged the necessity of equipping law enforcement with the tools to address increasingly sophisticated criminal activities.
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“the Act secured enough support to pass” tell us who voted for, against, abstained. That way we will have some accountability when this gets abused.
I agree
Mr. Premier push that bill real hard in order to get in good graces with the UKOTA
In my humble opinion, Natalio was pressured to pass this bill, as a condition of the order in council being lifted.
Correct me if I am wring
Correct he was put between a rock and a hard place
Where can I read this bill because I don’t play games with my freedom.
Why? We are a society that plays deaf and blind when it comes to reporting and solving crimes.
A tiny country with over 100 unsolved murders in a few decades. A killers paradise. People commit murder and are getting away with it. That’s unacceptable.
It would be political malpractice to sit by in light of this reality and do nothing.
As such, I support this legislation because we as a society cannot continue on the same path that has led us to where we are with all these unsolved murders not to mention the growing and unrelenting narcotrafficking trade in our backyards.
Crimes can be solved with witnesses coming forward, but in the absence of witnesses, and a society that distrust law enforcement rightfully or wrongfully, use or modern technology electronic or otherwise needs to be used.
I do not share the privacy concerns that some of the legislators expressed. For those of us who are law abiding that is non-issue.
If you are not into anything unlawful, it’s highly unlikely you will get caught up in some illegality. Live right and lawful and you should have nothing to worry about.
The Leader of the Opposition expressed concerned over the legislation about the “lack of exemptions for public officials.”
The Opposition Leader has a thing about exemptions and I recall a report of him being upset having to go thru security at the airport like everyone else.
I am left to wonder, just who the Opposition Leader things this legislation should target in his mind?
As far as I am concerned, no one should be above the law and that includes public officials as they too commit crimes.
Remember we have the worst example of this as our former Premier is doing 11 years in a Federal Lock Up in Miami.
On another note, his concern about “these things will be used on our people” begs the question: Does he think locals should be exempted? That’s crazy reasoning.
May I remind the Opposition Leader, crime knows no nationality, and we have had plenty of locals who have committed crimes, and do commit crimes and never see the courthouse because they are protected.
Not all inmates at Balsum Ghut are from elsewhere.
So, lets keep it real. Law enforcement needs all the tools they need to solve crimes in this closed mouth society.
To the extend this legislation improves the country’s crime fighting ability, I say bring it on.