BVI News

UK national selected as new Police Commissioner

Another United Kingdom national has been chosen as the territory’s next Police Commissioner, BVI News understands.

It is unclear when exactly the new top cop will take office but the present Commissioner, Michael Matthews is set to demit the post in February 2021.

BVI News, in the meantime, hasn’t ascertained the number of candidates who were considered for the top post.

However, our news centre has been informed that a local senior ranking officer was among those interviewed.

It’s also understood that no females were considered during the selection process.

Our news centre will provide more information on the appointment as it becomes available.

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77 Comments

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  1. Xmas to all says:

    Nothing new. Let’s just try to enjoy the Xmas holiday!

    Like 54
    Dislike 2
    • @Xmas to all says:

      Just another Christmas with eggnog and colonialism!

      Like 8
      Dislike 14
    • COI says:

      Ayo seat outside the force and just yap ayo lips. Who feels it knows it. The probs with the local brand are they are just a bunch of backbiters and downright stabbers. Take dat.. J, V, A and A, put dat in ayo pipe and smoke it. Another one and many fail ambitions bite the dust, bunch of empty-shell micro-managers playing politics in the force.

  2. Great says:

    Great news because if it wasn’t a local to be placed there let Uk choose no island people need to ever hold that position.

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    • Hmmmm says:

      Even in your own Country?

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      • Indeed says:

        Yes in our country which is also a British Territory. Atleast they support the locals and not victimized them. We will continue to learn from our British counterparts and be appointed when we acquire whatever improvements we need.

        Like 20
        Dislike 3
        • Hmmmm says:

          So you saying you are less of a human in intelligence and character as they are and until you improve as a human you would be just like them?

          Like 4
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          • @Hmmmm says:

            Don’t be a bloody idiot!!!! With cops involved in drug trafficking and whatever else they are into – do you want to chance having one of them in the top position? No one is less in intelligence and this has nothing to do with being a human and everything to do with avoiding favouritism and born here attidutes! The BVI needs to be cleaned up and unfortunately it is too common that some locals are afraid of stepping on peoples toes when doing their jobs.

            Like 17
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    • @great says:

      Pure colonization! Just like they always choose a white Governor, but then came Independence!

      Like 5
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    • Spock says:

      @hmmmm

      It seems clear that you do not comprehend what you read.

      Or you are not capable of cutting through the fluff to get at the heart of the matter. So here it is: If it is not a local, it should be a UK national.

      Or maybe you are one of those people who dog whistles their racist views to provoke an angry response. I would love to hear your feedback on this possibility. It may be amusing to someone like me.

      Like 2
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  3. Trouble says:

    Agree with this officers here especially the ones from down the Caribbean Sea is no good just like how them killed that man who got found floating in the waters at fat hogs bay, is a lot of things y’all don’t know. But one officer done talking it and it’s now it the street.

    Like 21
    Dislike 6
    • Really says:

      I heard about that too they picked him up and beat him to death, threw oil or something on him and threw him in the sea yup you’re not the only one hearing it but of course the case will drop because they are officers

      Like 10
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      • Yes says:

        AND I HOPE THE MEDICAL EXAMINER DON’T COVER ANYTHING UP. I HEARD THE SAME THING. THEY PICK HIM UP ON THE ROAD AND THEY BEAT HIM AND THEN THEY DROWN HIM. I AM TELLING YOU, I WILL NOT ACCEPT A RIDE FROM ANY POLICE IF HE IS IN UNIFORM OR PLAIN CLOTHES BE IT MAN OR WOMAN POLICE. IF I SEE A POLICE ON A DESERTED ROAD, I AM GOING DOWN A ALLEY AND I SEE A GROUP OF WILD DOGS ON ONE SIDE OF ALLEY AND A POLICE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ALLEY, I AM RUNNING TO THE SIDE WITH THE WILD DOGS. I WOULD PREFER THE WILD DOGS BITING ME UP THAN THE POLICE BEATING.

        Like 6
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    • @ Trouble says:

      I am HAPPY A LOCAL WAS NOT PICK FOR THE POSITION. LOOSE LIPS WILL SINK A SHIP. THE POLICE FEEL THAT THEY CAN DO THINGS AND GET TO FLAPPING THEIR LIPS. WORD TO THAT, WORD ON THE STREET IS A CERTAIN POLICE RIGHT THERE ON THE FORCE DROWN THAT POOR MAN. HE KNOWS WHO HE IS. HE MIGHT ESCAPE THE EARTHLY JUDGE BUT HE WILL NOT ESCAPE THE JUDGE OF THE UNIVERSE. THE JUDGE OF THE UNIVERSE SAW EVERYTHING HE DID TO THAT MAN.

      Like 10
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      • WELL WELL says:

        SO THEY KILL B**Y! EITHER THEY ARE HIRED HANDS AND WAS ORDERED OR WAS PLAYING BAD. BUT GIVEN THAT SOMETHING IS SURELY NOT RIGHT. SO THE OFFICER WHO DID STILL WALKING, THEY MUST KNOW LIFE IS A CIRCLE. WELL SEEMS LIKE ONE DRUG BUST GOING BRING DOWN THE WHOLE SHOW. GET OUT THE POPCORN AND COKE AND WATCH THE MOVIE.

        Like 5
        Dislike 1
      • STANDBY says:

        These police are sickening they do anything n get way with it there is one who constantly using his power 2 torment his ex wife the poor gal can’t walk in peace n them keep turning her away everytime shi try report him I don’t trust them non tall

        Like 1
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    • Black Ops says:

      While I am not sure about the local part, I definitely agree with you on the down-island part.

      I have not been on the wrong side of the law, but I have observed with interest the behavior of the ones from down the Caribbean Sea.

      Like 1
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  4. Mad says:

    What happened to Jackie Vanterpool?

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    • next says:

      she will fill the position once the new person finishes his contract, she is still studying and learning the craft at the top level. Once she takes the position she will maintain it for many years and bring confidence back to BVI policing itself.

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    • Answer says:

      She didn’t apply.

  5. Hmmm says:

    Is the Governor that did that he’s no good r****t T***h

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  6. Wow says:

    Only now we dead ………..

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  7. *** says:

    That was expected.

    Like 12
  8. Who's Who says:

    Another Crown Representative…

    Like 5
    Dislike 2
  9. Watchers says:

    And still no raise for the local public officer.

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    Dislike 10
  10. lol says:

    keep watching we, i love it! While the people from the continent take over the rock.

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  11. Great news says:

    Imagine the levels of corruption if you hired a belonger…

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    • Hmmmmm says:

      Please do Explain why a people of a country cannot get a particular job in their own country. You seems smart so enlightened us all. You all came to this country for economic reasons to make. a better life, now you deciding and behaving like you own the place.

      Like 7
      Dislike 25
    • @Great News says:

      That is a statement from from the bowels if a stone cold racist.

      In fact, there would be no more or less corruption if a local was appointed that there are corruption in all areas of society in the UK, Europe proper, the USA, Australia, China or any where else.

      Why do you small minds consistently think small and try to keep others in their sphere of smallness?

      Like 4
      Dislike 5
  12. Resident says:

    Good. I wonder who it is?

    Like 5
    Dislike 2
  13. Wise up says:

    Great news hope he is strick and let’s ban these scooters and have stop and search, road blocks etc that’s the only way we can get better.

    Like 12
    Dislike 2
  14. Hmmmmmmm says:

    2 reasons

    1. You are too corrupt for your own good
    2. You are the biggest racists the world have ever come across and no one other than belongers are treated with any dignity or respect

    Like 11
    Dislike 4
    • Takes one to know one says:

      You judging the majority off of repeat bloggers! Get out in the community and meet the other thousands who are not racist.

  15. Big says:

    @ hmmm because you guys are to corrupt

  16. Love it says:

    Let C C GO ON HIS RANT-ITIS PLATFORM NOW. LMAO.

  17. Patriotic bvi says:

    First if you hire a local many coruption will persist.first thing,a***** ****e is a big drug man.

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  18. Anonymous says:

    The slave mentality, we can’t do it better than massa can is still dominant in this society. What a shameful lot.

    You cannot free someone from mental slavery if he/she is unwilling or even unknowing and is incapable of acknowledging of the mental shackles keeping him/her in bondage.

    The sorrow and helplessness one feels from reading some of the comments relative the issue is disheartening. One often weeps. What a pitiful people we still are.

    Sadly, beyond the human rights and self rule implications, do those people know, or are they aware that if they spend the next 1000 years preparing and educating their loved ones to hold similar positions or higher in the UK, they will never see that day if they live to see another 1000 years, and their loved ones were truly qualified to hold such positions.

    That is a factual reality.

    Why then are our people still so damn ignorant to the political and racial sovereign facts of people and society in which they live?

    Like 5
    Dislike 3
  19. Harrigan says:

    Thank God for that. There’s no colonialism but anything rather than Chairman Foy.

    Like 5
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  20. Jane says:

    The argument that a BVIslander couldnt be trusted to be TopCop is repugnant. This isnt normal in a “democracy”.

    Say what you like about the pro’s and con’s of independence, but there is really no credible argument that a BVIslander couldnt handle the job or would inevitably be corrupt. Its just racist nonsense.

    The problem is that the standard of recruits is low: they should need good college degrees, the training should be lengthy (and continuous)and they should all spend a year working in the UK to understand modern policing and professionalism (not saying they are perfect but they dont carry guns). They should be well paid.

    These are the elements of an incorruptible police service. Demand better policing from your Governor and your Government. They need to invest more.

    Like 8
    Dislike 3
    • Not in BVI says:

      In ref to training .. what has the current commissioner implemented during his period of commissioner.

      also, many of Bermuda’s top cops only have a high-school diploma and have attended police training in the UK

      • Jane says:

        @Not in BVI: I completely agree with you. Mick Matthews doesnt seem to have instituted any changes. I dont know anything about Bermuda but it sounds like they ought to train their cops better. Being a cop is more than being a tough guy: you’re also dealing with people who have mental health problems, social and welfare issues. That’s why we need cops to be well-trained, well-remunerated professionals.

  21. No Trust... says:

    We messed up,,, We act greedy and irresponsible with public funds,,, They are things britain knows that the average person don’t know,,, That’s Why They pushing for independence to do what they want and as they wish,, Some are presently been investigated by Scotland yard,, Yep

    Like 13
    • @No Trust... says:

      A whole lot of them is under SCOTLAND YARD RADAR. They are so running scared. Don’t be surprise or in shock if the BRITISH MILITARY DON’T LAND HERE SOON AND YOU SEE CERTAIN PEOPLE IN THE SILVER WRIST AND ANKLE BRACELETS WITH THEIR HEADS HANGING IN SHAME.

      Like 8
      Dislike 1
    • @No Trust... says:

      Who is more greedy and irresponsible than those big nations ‘where you all came from’. Who started offshore banking? How many times have your officials been investigated or charged for corruption, and how many of them throughout the years? You people truly must go home and fast!

      Like 2
      Dislike 1
  22. Enforcement is Key says:

    A woman was duly considered, and I believe Ms. Vanterpool is from Virgin Gorda. I’m confident if you ask her, she will tell you that she was given due consideration as well as congratulating the newly appointed. This position is certainly no walk in the park, requiring very specific skills, particularly in the next 2-5 year short term outlook for crime and community relations.

    Like 11
  23. Not in BVI says:

    It’s no SURPRISE

    The same happens in most of the overseas territories look at Bermuda

    Person is said to have attended the same training police establish in the UK which has been attended by many Bermudians and no one was suitable even with their wealth of experiences within the service

    You [BVI] locals like many locals in Bermuda would always continue to run down your local talent and that’s why many experience and honest persons would never apply for top positions in the Police Force which is no different than a person in charge of Immigration or Customs. We just don’t get it. They are law enforcement agencies and for those of YOU who don’t know. Work very closely together in the fight against the smuggling of illegal contraband.

  24. Maybe says:

    Maybe C***dy should be giving the chance? She’s local and love the BVI community so much. No more drugs, guns and crimes under her watch

    Like 2
    Dislike 3
  25. E. Leonard says:

    Though retired chief constable Mark Collins may be eminently qualified for the job, his selection is not shockingly surprising. This decision was skillfully telegraphed a long time ago and came into sharp focus in recent months. The three last CoP would be filled by UK nationals. Are there a dearth of qualified or uninterested/disinterested locals or Blacks that are interested in the position? If the reporting is correct and no highly qualified local(s) applied or didn’t make the cut, though it is highly disappointing, the territory cannot strongly argue about the outcome. It (Territory) should be alarmed that no local applied, given the increasing drive among many for independence.

    Moreover, the UK is the Sovereign country with VI being a client territory. The UK shares governing with the VI with the UK (Governor) being responsible for a)external affairs, b)deference (Governor Commander-in-Chief?), c)internal security including RVIPF, d)Court admin and e)Civil Service; local government, everything else, including finance. It seems like a convoluted, disjointed process.

    For example, VI taxpayers mostly fund the RVIPF yet administrative and operational control fall under the Governor. At the next constitutional review, government needs to strongly advocate for more autonomy, including control of RVIPF and civil service and courts, Governor reduced reserve powers, change in process (assenting) in how bills become law, Governor membership in Cabinet, Premier serving as key spokesperson for territory on local issues, adding Senate in addition to HOA(bicameral), realigning of electoral districts, increasing number of ministerial positions, referendum on independence………etc.

    Further, as Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore first Premier/Prime Minister and still the guiding spirit, summoned and inspired his countrymen/women to strive for the stars despite lack of resources by employing talent, intelligence, discipline and ingenuity so too must VI leaders summon their compatriots to plan and prepare for self-determination, including independence, as provided for in UN charter for non-self-governing territories. Singapore, though a small brown dot in the China Sea, is an economic power house with a high standard of living, quality of life and per capita income ($60K +). It ( VI) must get to a position that there are always a cadre of qualified local personnel for every position in the VI.

    Like 7
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    • Political Observer (PO) says:

      @E. Leonard, real talk. The colonialists abandoned the BVI as a poor and impoverished colony that only value was as a bird sanctuary. Left to fend for itself, the BVI and its people through the ingenuity of their Slave ancestors had no choice but to work hard using what few opportunities were available to eek out a living. They worked in subsistence farming and agriculture, fishing, coal burning………etc. The transition from subsistence farming and agriculture to services, ie, tourism and financial services in the 60’s snd 80’s improved the standard of living and quality of life and per capita income. In time, it progressed from a bird sanctuary colony to semi-self-governing, attaining a new constitution in 1967 with ministerial status. As its status as a top small tourism destination and as a premier offshore financial centre continue to blossom, it caught the attention of the UK.

      Sensing opportunity, the UK started to take note and started the gentrification process. The process started with the attempted capturing of Wickhams Cay and 3/4 of Anegada for a 199 years through a one-sided, lose-lose deal for the BVI and its people in a lease to UK company Kenneth Bates-Hill. The agitation against the deal by Noel Lloyd and Positive Action Movement save and kept Wickhams Cay and Anegada in Virgin Islanders hands. Now, capitalizing on opportunity, the UK through a networking pipeline is occupying positions in BVI and other OTs, rotating from OT to another.

      The pipeline works because the BVI inadequately invested in and trained its people to take up any position in the territory. As Diaspora 3D/360 noted, the BVI should have had an abundance of riches in regards to a cadre of highly qualified personnel. Nonetheless, thus far, this has not happen. The BVI needs to expedite the process to make things happen. Never again should it be wondering what happen. Plan,plan, plan to give the most important resource——people—-the opportunity to take up positions. Reroute that pipeline elsewhere.

  26. Good call says:

    Given everything that has been happening I think it’s fir the best. Too much corruption. Not opposed to having a local but a lot of things need to change before that should be allowed to happen. Accountability measures.

    Like 3
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  27. Diaspora 3D/360 says:

    As E. Leonard noted above , the United Kingdom (UK) of Britain(England, Scotland and Wales)+Northern Ireland is the sovereign country with BVI being the client territory. In addition, the UK is 93,628 square miles with an estimated population of 68 million; BVI by comparison is 59 square miles spread over 36 islands, islets, cays and rocks with 15 being inhabited and approx population of 30,000. As the such, the UK has a much greater talent pool to draw from (68,000,000) and would have a larger pool of qualified people to draw from for any externally advertised position.

    Nevertheless, this is no excuse why the BVI does not have more qualified people for every position. At this juncture, the BVI should have an embarrassment of riches in regards to qualified people. The BVI problem should be who is the best is suitably qualified for a position, not trying to scramble to find people who may be marginally qualified. If the BVI had an embarrassment of riches, it could have limited the applications for any position to internal applicants.

    However, to get to this state, it must effectively plan for, iinvest in and train its human resource. Its people are its most precious and important and it must act as if they are. Virgin Islanders must take the bull by the horn by educating themselves and acquiring the experience for occupying positions of increasing responsibility. They must work to cut off the UK network and pipeline at the path. Virgin Islanders must also stop the self hating. It is destructive and stifles personal growth and development. Let’s us shed the slavish conditioning once and for all. It is time to captain the ship of state and chart our own course. Climb up to the crows nest and take a 360 view of the ocean.

  28. Xmas tree says:

    If you have individual talking at the two sides of their mouth … Third pillar is drugs …. Local mothers know what sons are doing … police men caught with biggest drug bust in … This is a colony of UK … you expect a local commissioner . Ali
    yo not smart … Premier can only operate in certain parameters .

  29. COI says:

    Ayo seat outside the force and just yap ayo lips. Who feels it knows it. The probs with the local brand are they are just a bunch of backbiters and downright stabbers. Take dat.. J, V, A and A, put dat in ayo pipe and smoke it. Another one and many fail ambitions bite the dust, bunch of empty-shell micro-managers playing politics in the force.

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