We are putting handcuffs on the police — Premier Wheatley
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has argued that outdated laws hinder the prosecution of offences involving digital evidence.
Dr Wheatley was at the time debating the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Amendment Bill 2025, which passed with amendments by the House of Assembly yesterday, January 13, following an impassioned debate led by the Premier.
“In 2025, we do not have legislation that will allow the police to seize a phone or computer for investigating and prosecuting offences,” he said, noting that a recent High Court judgement highlighted such a gap.
Premier Wheatley expressed concern about the balance between protecting human rights and empowering law enforcement to combat crime effectively. However, he argued that rights such as protection under the law and freedom of expression are not absolute and must be limited in the interest of public order.
He criticised the idea of overly restricting law enforcement and prosecution, warning it could allow criminals to act with impunity, thereby undermining societal safety. “We want to put handcuffs on the police and our public prosecution and allow persons who are out there committing crimes to do so with impunity, without restriction, without limitation,” the Premier argued.
The Premier acknowledged flaws in the existing Act, first passed in 2014 and amended in 2019, describing both iterations as insufficient. “The 2014 Act didn’t go far enough, and the 2019 amendment was flawed. As it stands now, we have a gaping hole in our legislation,” he explained.
He said the new law addresses legislative gaps in tackling modern cybercrimes and strengthens national security measures. The Premier further defended the need for stronger laws, citing the evolving nature of crime in the digital age. “We are on a dangerous precipice,” he warned. “If we do not take action now, we are going to be in serious trouble.”
He stressed the importance of empowering the police and prosecutors with the tools necessary to safeguard the community. “Would we be responsible members of this House if we were to allow this gaping hole to continue? That’s not responsible,” the Premier asserted.
The debate also touched on criticisms from the Opposition regarding potential overreach by law enforcement. However, while addressing these concerns, Premier Wheatley urged the Assembly to avoid giving the impression that criminals could act without consequences. “We cannot allow the situation to get out of control. National security should unite us, not divide us.”
Copyright 2025 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
The BVI is not a lawless country where crime is sooooo rampant that this trampling on the rights of innocent citizens is urgently required!
With this law it is innocent peoples rights that are being handcuffed! The pan-African turned lapdog is turning the VI into a Colonialist police state! We are in trouble!
Seems pretty lawless out there…. Have you been outside?
Um did you not see the news where someone was robbed at an ATM??
apart from our Premier and the Director of Ports in jail; shootings most days, including the Aladdin armed robbery and the Fish Bay murder in broad daylight; the CoI frauds and corruption; 3 tons of coke being found in a shed….
Near 25 years ago, I left policing behind in the VI, but I can assure you that, the finding or saying is not accurate. Peruse the Criminal Amendment Act, that states, where the law is silent in the VI the laws of England prevails.
OFFENDERS Can Be Properly Prosecuted Under the Law.
Natalio is a police officer now?
some of them need handcuffs, another one was busted last week
This is the exact reason why the USA & British authorities decided to arrest “head coach “ in the USA , to prevent the usual bribery of witnesses & so called legal professionals using drug monies to frustrate the local attempts of the prosecution and jailing of offenders plainly guilty of multiple offenses .
Start with DPP. Fix it!!
That was neatly put , those who has something to hide will always try to defend their guilt, ( LB ) IS THAT WIGGED WANNABE JUDGE , JULI-ANN / WHO’S ALWAYS SPEWING OUT A LOT OF RACIST NARRATIVES TO SATISFY HIS OVER GROWN EGO ,AND T, O GET ATTENTION TO HIMSELF . HE NEEDS TO STAY HIS YELLO SITE WHERE HE IS KING