Premier denies ‘selling out’ locals in police bill

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has firmly rejected Opposition legislator Melvin Mitch Turnbull’s claims that the government is “selling out” the people of the BVI through the recently introduced Police Amendment Act, 2024.

Turnbull’s claims were made during debate on the bill in the House of Assembly this week, where he criticised aspects of the proposed legislation as overreaching and harmful to the territory’s residents.

During the debate, Dr Wheatley described the accusations as misleading and politically motivated. “It was even said yesterday that we’re selling out our people. No, we’re not selling out our people,” Dr Wheatley insisted. He added, “That’s not the intent of anyone in this House.”

According to the Premier, such tactics were used to stoke fear and use that fear for political gain.

The Police Amendment Act aims to strengthen the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force’s ability to address rising crime rates and to meet international compliance standards, such as those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). However, Turnbull raised objections, arguing that the bill, in its current form, risks criminalising the entire population and erodes public trust in law enforcement.

Turnbull suggested the public was not adequately educated on the bill and its provisions, including enhanced electronic surveillance and covert operations, and argued these could be abused. “This law in its current format… is expected to criminalise the entire public of the Virgin Islands, including ourselves,” Turnbull claimed. The Second District Representative  also highlighted the potential impact on civil liberties, arguing, “Our people deserve better.”

Non-existent law and order

In defending the bill, Dr Wheatley emphasised the need for robust legislation to tackle crime and repair the territory’s tarnished reputation following the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report.

“The Virgin Islands, following the release of the COI report… was being characterised internationally as some corrupt place. [It was] Being characterised as a place where law and order doesn’t exist, and I’ve worked hard, and all of us have worked hard, to reverse that perception,” he explained. He noted that legislative measures must be taken to confront violent crime and illicit activity in the community.

Acknowledging the public’s distrust of the police, Dr Wheatley stressed that the government is committed to oversight and transparency. “While we want to give the police the powers necessary to deal with the serious problem we have… the other side of it is ensuring that we have the protections in place, the oversight body is in place, to ensure that the police do not abuse that authority,” he said.

Turnbull countered that insufficient checks and balances in the bill could lead to overreach and abuse by law enforcement. “You’re giving significant powers to law enforcement… without proper scrutiny,” Turnbull argued. He also suggested that the government prioritise public education on the bill’s implications.

Dr Wheatley assured the public that amendments to the bill would be carefully considered during its review in the House of Assembly. “We are taking a responsible approach to this issue. 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,” he stated.