Cop warns businesswoman of ‘stopping license’ in viral clip
A local police sergeant was caught in a viral video warning a businesswoman that he could recommend that her trade license be revoked and hold her legally responsible for her customers’ poor parking habits, despite having a parking lot at her business place.
Sergeant Glenn Callwood of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) was caught on video lecturing the businesswoman inside her store, complaining that her customers were parking inappropriately and causing traffic disruptions.
“I’m saying to you again, this is about the fifth time for the day we come here moving people from here. If you continue, the Magistrate can stop the licence,” Callwood stated.
Callwood, who advised the woman that he has now risen to a higher position in the RVIPF, underscored that his elevated role now focuses on supervisory duties. “When I was working East End here a few years ago, I worked as a Constable, now I am working as a supervisor. It’s a different role I’m playing and my role now I’m playing is not to come and beg you, ‘please’ to have people move,” Callwood told the woman.
The officer further explained that the business could face consequences if the parking violations continue, mentioning the possibility of notifying the Magistrate to pull the store’s trade licence. “We, the police, can make a note to the Magistrate to pull the licence. We can do it,” Callwood stressed.
Legal obligations and the Road Traffic Act
The issue of improper parking falls under the BVI’s Road Traffic Act, which outlines regulations regarding the parking of vehicles on public roads. According to Section 43 of the Act, it is an offence for a vehicle to remain stationary on a road in a position likely to cause danger or obstruct other traffic. Notably, the Act does not speak to the responsibility of business owners.
Although the woman explained that she had no control over where her customers parked, Callwood insisted it was still her responsibility to prevent them from blocking the road. “You’re responsible. When they come in here, ask them where they parked,” he advised.
In the video, the businesswoman can be heard explaining that she has a parking lot and tries to inform her customers when she notices they have parked incorrectly. However, Callwood remained firm. “I’m saying to you, whether you know it or not, the person coming in here to your store, you are responsible for where they park,” he said.
The video has attracted widespread public attention, with one member of the local legal fraternity commenting: “For the avoidance of doubt, traffic tickets are issued to the drivers of motor vehicles who have violated the traffic laws. The proprietors of any adjacent businesses, who the said vehicle drivers support, are not responsible for the negligence of any driver.”
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Where is this energy for the horrible Parking in Long bush ??!!??
and in front of the Hospital. Staff always illegally parked impeding the flow of traffic instead of using the parking lot across the road. Supacop need to go there and issue some tickets
It is a burning shame that Callwood can be boasting about elevating to higher rank, in a supervisory position and do not know the law, do not know the rights of an individual and making himself a total jacka**. It is an embarrassment to the RVIPF. What can Callwood really teach his subordinate officers. Is this the level at which our police force is dropping. God help us.
@former cop what standard you talking about just look at the officers that they have hired you see any standard to be an officer.The worst police force in the caribbean .
Why he don’t go lower estate…is a shame a two way road just full of rentals hate driving through that place
Good job callwood you are the best cop.
Let’s get Lower Estate by the barbershop and the concrete mixers and car rentals addressed too. Rentals have taken over the road, one lane of traffic at times… because what – these ppl are locals?
Some people will never be happy. If he gave all her customers tickets, or had them towed, she’d be complaining about that!
worse than Haiti and the fish stinks from the head down
He certainly did not go about it the right way, but he is most definitely correct in that parking here by many people, is disgusting.
Same goes for driving at night with high beams on. Taxi men and people just stopping on main roads to drop off and pick up people. People rushing out into oncoming traffic, and then slowing and going very slow. People that overtake you at blinding speed, and then quickly stop to talk to a woman, or friend on the side of the road.
I laughed the other day as I passed the East End Police Station and watched three kids right next to the entry reception of the police station talking to each other on unlicensed, bust up scooters, with no helmets, and greeting each other like long lost brothers. That told me all I needed to know about law enforcement in this place!
The basic courtesies between people are all but gone!
Keep the same energy with everything then it got man parking boat on sidewalks, people blocking entire lanes parking vehicle how you picking and choosing who to harass and who to turn a blind eye to? This just showing that the police don’t even know the law.