ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – While debating the first Supplementary Appropriation Provision (SAP) today Thursday, July 13, 2023, in the Second Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA), Member of the Second District, Hon Melvin M. Turnbull raised concerns about the opening hours of the Cane Garden Bay, Police Substation.
Hon Turnbull noted that he is disappointed in what is going on with the Police Station while adding, “One time it’s opened, the next time it’s closed, the next time it’s opened.”
He said often, the Police Station is closed and when you call, you have to then contact the West End Police Station instead for service.
He noted that the situation is a dangerous one, because if you have, “a man running you and every time you go to a police station it is closed, then what happened? Man dead!” he said.
The member from the Second District told the HoA during his presentation that legislators are the ones who appropriate the funds for the police, therefore, “we should dictate to them the type of service we want and expect not the other way around”.
Police force at its lowest
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) under Governor John J. Ranking, CMG, and Police Commissioner Mark Collins have come under fire for poor policing in the territory, high crime rate, many unsolved murders, police corruption, and police brutality.
Some police officers have said there is too much division in the RVIPF and many officers are reportedly suing Mr. Collins over promotions, unfair treatment, and being unfairly charged.
Others have accused the recently imported and majority white cohort of UK Police Officers of reportedly trampling on residents’ human rights, however, our news center is yet to receive solid evidence of the claim.
Some residents have also accused the officers of launching a witch hunt against locals, who are then reportedly harassed and locked up with claims of racist treatment from the same officers.
