Governor vetted RVIPF officers unilaterally – Premier
The vetting of officers in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) was done without the input of the National Security Council or the Police Service Commission, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley revealed during a government press conference on Friday.
Premier Wheatley stated that Governor Daniel Pruce exercised his constitutional authority to begin vetting law enforcement officers, but he did so “unilaterally”.
“I just want to make it very clear, extremely clear, that the action that was taken as it pertains to vetting was unilaterally done by the Governor,” Dr Wheatley stated. “The National Security Council did not have a decision as it pertained to that. And I don’t believe, actually, the Police Service Commission had a role in that [either].”
Although the move was within the Governor’s constitutional powers, the Premier signalled that concerns remain regarding privacy rights and the scope of the vetting process. “Of course, there will be concerns because the Constitution provides persons the right to privacy,” he explained. “And I and others, certainly Honourable Kye Rymer, National Security Council, and others have expressed concern about the level of intrusion.”
He added that the Police Service Commission also raised questions, which had not yet been resolved. “We’ll seek to see if some of those questions can still be resolved that we have as it pertains to vetting,” Premier Wheatley said.
Governor Pruce confirmed during a separate press conference that the vetting process began on Thursday, describing it as a step toward ensuring public confidence in the police force. He said the measure aligns with broader reforms following the Commission of Inquiry recommendations.
Vetting of law enforcement officers was among the COI’s 48 key recommendations following concerns about intelligence-sharing. “The Commission of Inquiry itself heard that there was, and I quote, ‘a reluctance to share intelligence for fear of it being divulged,’” Pruce explained.
Officers must disclose information about their finances, personal circumstances, and associations. “The form that officers are required to fill out is available within the regulations,” Pruce noted. “Understanding officers’ finances is an important part of this process, too.”
While supporting the general idea of vetting, Premier Wheatley said the process should also support the territory’s goal of self-reliance in the long term. “I think that we have to build our own capacity to be able to do those type of things,” he said. “Of course, it’s something that’s new, unfamiliar to many of us. So, of course, we would be grateful for the support of the United Kingdom… but ultimately, I believe that we have to build our own capacity.”
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A positive and strong move from the Governor for which he should be highly commended. Hopefully this is the beginning of him starting to exercise his power where it’s most needed. Vetting of police officers is something that is used in all developed nations, we need to be clear that those empowered with upholding our laws uphold them themselves and aren’t in positions where they are open to external pressures.
Our politicians will dance around the issue as they are concerned that if some in the police force don’t like it they will lose votes. Our Governor doesn’t have these pressures.
Here’s hoping for more of this type of move from our Governor!
As much as this move might be controversial at the same time I will feel more safe to know that the police officer i entrust with my safety is not on any crooks payroll or one that has a questionable past.
Sound like natalio don’t want certain agency’s get vetted…. When there’s smoke there’s fire….
Vet them all UK especially customs and immigration
Hard lash
The governor has had enough of your do-little behaviour – our borders need to be secured now before you all drag this territory down and get BVIslanders and Belongers a name we did not ask for. Step aside.
It’s the right thing to do! The boy Premier should have applied this long time ago.
Is that why we not getting a say in the airport, the concerts, the roads, the incinerator, the USVI Marine Deal, the Greedy Grab.
It actually feels good to know that someone is checking on who is looking after the security of our country ane not just picking family and friends or C.O.S-C everytime.
The pro UK ivaders and recolonizers are having a field day today i the comment section.
But, the silent voice of the Black VIslander will be the defining last voice yet. Only death/war will silence it. VI Freedom!
The thumb of conceitedness and aversion to truth will indicate the true mind set.
ok its his police force. He is responsible not taking his job lightly.
I’d let the governor flick through those but there’s no such thing , these are the accounts for five years ago would vetting accept that , then why should the tax paying public accept it from our own leaders .
The fate of a country caught between imperialism and independence.
Ayo fraid because cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles launder money under their names
Goo Governor
Thr third pillar is alive so said Pastor Cly… on the tafio some time back