RVPF’s increased oversight of ports improves security
Governor John Rankin said he believes the arrangements established by his office to give the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) greater oversight of the territory’s ports will improve security and help to ensure the law is properly applied.
The governor also said he felt these arrangements serve the purpose of helping to keep everyone in the BVI safe.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley previously indicated that in June, Cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding between authorities of inter-governmental agencies – Her Majesty’s Customs, Immigration, the BVI Airports Authority and BVI Ports Authority – on the security of seaports and airports.
At the time, he noted that this was pursuant to Recommendation B40 of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report for addressing security concerns while more comprehensive arrangements were being considered.
Speaking at a press conference last week, Governor Rankin noted that this arrangement will also allow for a better exchange of information between the different agencies.
Governor Rankin further indicated that he was cognisant of the issues involving the territory’s security, adding that he felt the arrangements that had already been rolled out, were working well so far.
The governor said the Departments of Customs and Immigration will continue to carry out their normal functions, but he noted that the police will also be there.
“Of course, should they have a concern that there may be criminal activity going on, then the police would have the right to intervene and exercise that overall command and the Police Commissioner has devoted resources to this, both to the airport and the seaports to help to achieve what we all hope will be a successful operation,” the governor said.
He added: “It maybe will require some additional resources to make this sustainable over time and I’ll be discussing that both with the Police Commissioner and with the Premier and Cabinet, as necessary, so I’m certainly not complacent in this area.“
Vetting the security forces
In the meantime, the governor said that preparations are ongoing for the appointment of an independent agency to vet staff at HM Customs, Immigration, the Royal Virgin Island Police Force and HM Prison.
He noted that the government is also working to establish a panel with external expertise to review law enforcement and justice systems to ensure that the law enforcement agencies have modern facilities and powers to help better prevent, monitor, and detect crime and prepare matters for prosecution.
According to Governor Rankin, the UK is offering funding and expertise for the implementation of these recommendations.
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He gonna bring in all he UK partners to enjoy deh lime
should assist the police enforcing the border security of the BVI.
Where is Government Official #1? After seeing the photo of our Governor Rankin getting his 2nd booster, I have lost ALL confidence in his opinions about anything. Futhermore, now, Governor Rankin’s opinion about anything is suspicious to me. Wow, I used to respect this Governor, but now realize he is just playing along with the current games, against the people of the BVI.
The UK will not suspend our constitution, but they will find a way to take over the BVI.
Can you expand on your reasoning here? Why would the UK want to take over the BVI? What would they possibly gain from this? There is not enough tax revenue to support the existing economy and all of the infrastructure is in disrepair. If anything I would think the UK would use the COI to clear their conscience that they did their best to help clean up this mess then they can walk away and not have to keep spending so much UK tax money on the place.
Tell us How Mr. Governor?? when they are the most crooked and corrupt of them all….
I am pleased that the ports will have additional security. However, we need more police presence in Road Town during the day and evening. Can someone make this a reality, please?
Picture that! So who is going to do the laundry.
Unfortunately I think you are correct. Such a shame as there is a real opportunity to make the BVI honourable and sustainable, and then….independence could be a real conversation rarher than a bull***t distraction
The UK taking over the VI would be a step up,, compared to being taken over by the lowest of the neighboring failed Caribbean islands and their ungrateful human debris which have our prison to be bursting at the seams and the total degradation of the VI socially and educationally.
My opinion is that the UK needs the tax revenue that they will gain from all the taxes from these
offshore businesses. This is what the UK needs. The COI does not have anything to do with the BVI
economy or infrastructure. The BVI is not a rich country with natural resources but is super rich as a tax haven.
You are absolutely right that the UK can walk but I do not see that happening as Tortola continues to be a tax haven.
It is now evident to me we have Mr. Magoo for a Governor. . . he can’t see anything and thinks he can push the Boosters on us. What ever this man says is always a lie, now I see, it clearly. Bringing the UN in to run the BVI is the UK’s ultimate revenge, because the UN running the BVI will be a disaster. Resist the New World Order, please resist.