Police seize drugs, quell over a dozen fights at festival village
Police have confiscated drugs and weapons and intervened in more than a dozen scuffles at the Road Town Festival Village since the start of emancipation festivities this past week, according to a recent press release.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) issued what it described as a strong warning to persons who intend to engage in any form of violence or intend to use any form of illegal drugs while on the festival grounds.
According to the RVIPF, police officers intervened and parted 16 fights, confiscated both marijuana and cocaine, as well as a knife during the first paid night of the Irene Penn-O’Neal Festiville.
This is according to Superintendent of Operations Dariel Robinson who stated: “We are not tolerating lawlessness at any level during the festival celebrations, particularly in the festival village.”
The Force promised that actions will be ‘swift and decisive’ from officers on site for any lawbreakers and warned that anyone who displays conduct that is deemed disorderly, hostile or aggressive will be escorted off the grounds and possibly arrested.
Persons were also assured that gate security will ensure that individuals do not bring weapons or contraband on the grounds.
The RVIPF also noted that attendees at the festival village are expected to cooperate with security officers during the screening process in order to enter. “Should you not wish to be screened, you will not be allowed to enter the festival grounds. The safety of all those in attendance is paramount,” Robinson noted.
In the meantime, persons are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or pre-planned assaults to the officers on the ground or to RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 284-368-9339 or anonymously through the Crimestoppers hotline number 800-8477.
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U all promote them don’t take lip talk so the clip tall push up and a man fall. K RYMER DRIVE NIGHT
The festival gets worse every year. It is the only place that I feel unsafe in the BVI
Festival in the BVI went to the damn dogs. Blacks always ruin things for everyone. They don’t know how to go anywhere and not act like fools. This Festival, they allow the untrained animals out their cages without being fully trained. Who want to get mad, go right ahead, you will simply get over it. Why should I pay $40.00 to attend a unsafe venue.
Bring young artists who promote the violent gangster lifestyle and what do you expect to happen?
Festival is 2 weeks of noise. We spend millions and arent promoting BVI artists. It would be better as 1 week and spend the other half million during the year at grass roots for future Calypso, Fungi, Steel band and other artists
Sowande say all good.
I will agree with you 100%. Security is lax. I can almost bet you people is walking around the village carrying concealed weapons. I am going to be glad when the S**t show is over.
They are paying for the thug artist from the outside instead of using the local artist. The Culture of the BVI is gone, they are also allowing people from the outside that knows nothing about our true Culture. I have lost respect for Dirk Walters, that is all I will say for now. I am local and I want no parts of this festival nor will I support any part of this festival.