The recruitment process for a new Police commissioner is underway as top cop Michael Matthew’s tenure comes to an end in April of 2021.
This was confirmed by His Excellency Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert, who has responsibility for the territory’s constabulary. Governor Jaspert said “the current Commissioner of Police’s contract is due to end in April 2021. Recruitment for his successor has commenced, underpinned by fair and open competition.”
Based on various reports reaching our newsroom, locals are being considered within the lineup to fill the vacancy. When questioned on the legitimacy of these reports, Governor Jaspert said “the recruitment process is still open for applications from candidates. We are conducting a fair and open competition to ensure a diverse pool of suitably qualified candidates and find the best person for the job.”
The application process will end on October 16th, 2020.
Other reports suggest, Deputy Commissioner Alwin James is tipped to become the Police Commissioner but this has not been confirmed by Governor Jaspert who leads the charge on security within the territory.
Mr. Matthews was first appointed in 2016 but received an extension in April of 2019 based on the advice of the National Security Council as well as the recommendation of the Virgin Islands Police Service Commission.
The Police Commissioner began his police career in 1982 was awarded the Queens Police Medal for distinguished service in the New Year’s Honors list of 2013.
Prior to his arrival in the BVI, he served as the Chief Constable of the Cyprus Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Police Force.