Former police inspector and the first woman to join the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Ms. Eileen Baronville was honoured and recognised for her more than three decades of service to the territory.
The recognition came at the RVIPF’s Motivational Luncheon on Monday, October 10 as part of the force’s 55th anniversary celebrations this week.
Speaking on the many accolades achieved by Baronville during her 31 years of service was Inspector Karen Vanterpool who had the honours of unveiling a specially designed plaque which was made to honour Baronville.
“Ms. Eileen Baronville affectionately known as Ms. B or Super Cop was the first local and the first female to join the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. She was also the first female inspector. She obtained her initial training at the regional training center in Sewell Barbados in 1966. Before joining the ranks of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, she was encouraged to do so by her sister-in-law who worked as general secretary in the force. She wasn’t looking to become a police officer but realised that it was an opportunity for her to earn a good salary,” Vanterpool stated.
Baronville was known as an allrounder
Inspector Vanterpool also described Baronville as an officer who was an allrounder when it came to her duties.
She said, “This she did with pride and joy. She also held the post of secretary when the secretary went on leave. She was also afforded the opportunity to act in the rank of corporal which didn’t sit well with many of the males at that time. It took the then chief of police to intervene, who made sure that she was given her stripes and her promotion to corporal.”
“She didn’t get another promotion until some ten years later, which was to the rank of sergeant. She was required to sit an exam after being in the service for 25 years which she did and successfully passed. Ms. Baronville slept on floors with prisoners with whom she had compassion for, especially women. Most of her dealings were with juveniles which were her baby,” Vanterpool added.
Commissioner offer thanks for service
Commissioner of Police Mark Collins thanked Baronville for her service, stating that he was privileged to have her as part of the RVIPF’s celebrations.
“So let me start by offering a very personal welcome to Ms. Baronville. Thank you mam, thank you for your service. You were the first female officer of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and we thank you for your service and we are delighted and privileged to have you here today to celebrate with us,” Collins stated.
Very close to the premier’s family
Meanwhile, Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley also joined in the congratulatory remarks.
He said Baronville also had an impact on his life from way back in his school days.
“Let me take this opportunity as well to congratulate Eileen Baronville. Very close friend of the family and certainly I always admired her as a member of the police service who was very effective in doing her job and had to always defuse a lot of situations even from when I was a little boy in school. And I want to say I appreciate you and I want to say as well that I celebrate all the women in the police service,” Premier Wheatley stated.