In a recent statement the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) has addressed claims made by the Governor of the Virgin Islands His Excellency John Rankin CMG, at a recent press conference July 1, 2022, alongside the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr Hon Natalio D. Wheatley.
Concerning the highly controversial filming of the recently leaked “Police in Paradise” video. Governor Rankin said, “my understanding is that there was some consultation with the tourism board, but I don’t have the exact details of that.”
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (BVITB) & Film Commission has since said that the agency first became aware of the “Police in Paradise” video when it went viral in local chat rooms and on social media last week.
The statement stated, “We are not aware of when the footage for this production was shot, as there is no record of permission being sought. Furthermore, the BVITB did not issue a film permit to allow the filmed content from the video to be captured in the Territory.”
Director of the BVI Tourist Board Mr. Clive McCoy said, “I can confirm that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) did consult with the BVITB four years ago in 2018, about a similar project. However, no approval was granted and we were not in favour of the proposed project.
The BVITB does not have any record of consultation being made regarding the filming of the “Police in Paradise” video which has been recently circulated. In fact, the BVITB first became aware of the project when along with the entire community, we saw the video being shared in WhatsApp messages and social media platforms.”
He added, “I would like to reiterate that we are not in support of this video as it negatively portrays the Territory.”