In his statements at the recently held joint press conference, leader of Government Business Hon. Andrew A. Fahie addressed the aged old Police Act that he believes is essential in combating crime. The Act which has seen much scrutiny from residents in the past, has always made it to the House of Assembly for a first reading but never any further said Fahie. This he plans to change, stating that he will be bringing the Act to resident’s district by district for review and feedback, which actually only lengthens the process of same actually being passed even more, however Fahie believes it is important for residents to have a say.
He said “Wherever necessary, your Government will continue to strengthen any existing legislation, as well as make penalties stiffer and uncompromising to deter anyone who thinks about or commits nefarious crimes. The amended Police Act, which has been around for seven years or more, recently had its first reading in the House of Assembly. This is another tool to strengthen law enforcement, and to ensure that the modernization of law enforcement processes.”
Fahie continued, “The Police Act will now be put forward for public consultation in all nine districts and I am appealing to the people of the Virgin Islands to come out and let us shape this legislation so that we can protect lives and livelihoods.”
Among other essential crime fighting tools is the ability to take DNA as well as longer holding times for suspects are included in the Act. Commissioner Matthews spoke to the significance of DNA in fighting crime, as he believes it is one of the most important components.
Each one must reach one
Premier Fahie also spoke to community members who he says play an important role. “If someone you love, a friend, a family member, someone in your household, is going on the wrong path, talk to them. Urge them to stop and to think. Remind them that there are children and loved ones who love them and who need them. We cannot live selfishly, that is not the trait of us as Virgin Islanders. We must continue to support the police and the other law enforcement agencies by doing our civic duty.”
Government support
Premier Fahie sought to reassure residents of his Governments commitment saying, “Rest assured, your Government will not allow the actions of a few individuals to endanger the welfare of the BVI and our economy. While the responsibility for national security and internal security sits, constitutionally, with the Governor and the Commissioner of Police as the head of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, successive Virgin Islands Governments have been providing diligent support, whether through facilitating legislation, or providing funding and other resources.” Adding,
“Your Government will continue working with and supporting all our law enforcement agencies and the other elements of our justice system, as we have been doing. For example, November 2020, we added four new law enforcement vehicles to the police fleet as the Government of the Virgin Islands continues to invest in law enforcement. We were pleased to make this necessary purchase to further enhance the capabilities of the force to carry out its law enforcement responsibilities, and patrols. We did this in the middle of COVID-19.”
Additionally, Fahie said his Government have also ensured repairs to the police boat, and added a new vessel ‘Searcher’ to the fleet of Her Majesty’s Customs. He concluded by saying, “As a Government, we will continue to ensure that financial allocations are made to provide the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Her Majesty’s Customs and Immigration Department with the resources needed to perform in managing crime in the Virgin Islands.”