Don’t be naïve! Corruption exists in every society- Gov John S. Duncan OBE
Speaking at the Completion Exercise and Passing Out Parade for the inaugural Police Recruit Training at the Grounds of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) on July 30, 2015, Governor Duncan said citizens of the Virgin Islands have a right to expect that the authorities will protect them from wrongdoers and that they have a right to expect good and responsible government.
He also said Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith, who at the swearing ceremony of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government in June remined that his party was elected on the platform of being a Government in the sunshine, is equally committed to bringing in the modernising reforms of open government that will build on the traditions of this territory as one of the most vibrant democratic Overseas Territories in the Region.
“But we cannot be naïve. Corruption exists in every society. No one is immune from such temptations. And I would like to remind all officers of the RVIPF that you are at the frontline of our efforts to combat such activities. The public relies on you and places its trust in the RVIPF to uphold the law.
"Sadly there are those who have let down their collegues and themselves by crossing over to the other side, and they will be dealt with,” Governor Duncan stated.
CoP Morris confirms corruption in RVIPF
Two days after the Governor’s comments about corruption in the RVIPF, outgoing Commissioner of Police David Morris declared that there are some elements in the RVIPF who are corrupt and are tarnishing the good reputation of others who are of integrity and hardworking.
Responding to a question asked by host of Open Mic Mr Julio S. Henry, during an interview aired on CBN Channel 51 on August 1, 2015, on whether there was corruption in the RVIPF, Mr Morris said “yes there is [corruption in the RVIPF].”
At this time Mr Henry slipped in the question: “Are you corrupt?” To which Mr Morris said: “No I am not corrupt.”
“But there are officers who have committed corrupt actions,” continued Mr Morris who noted that there is corruption even in immigration and customs.
The Commissioner added, however, that the corrupt elements make up a small minority but puts the biggest tarnish on the force.
Operation Lucan
It was announced by Government in 2014 that an independent investigation was in place to root out police corruption after months of media reports.
This followed with an entire ‘special investigation unit’ of the RVIPF being sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation for wrongdoing, including allegedly stealing cash from drug dealers.
The investigation, named Operation Lucan, began on November 10, 2014, had seen several officers sent on leave, however, some of them have been vindicated and reinstated on the job.
“Some of them are still suspended and the file is with the Director of Public Prosecutions. It upsets me when that happens,” Mr Morris said but reminded that when he first came to the Virgin Islands he had publicly stated that he would not stand for corrupt officers in the force.
19 Responses to “Don’t be naïve! Corruption exists in every society- Gov John S. Duncan OBE”
Yes, in every society and it starts in the smallest of scocieties, the home. Check it out...treachery, unfaithfulness, disloyalty, greed, etc.
one of the then driver the Governor right now
Outgoing COP," continued Mr Morris who noted that there is corruption even in immigration and customs."
I wonder if he wants to name names in Immigration and Customs? Corrupt politicians need to be dealt with to Governor but you drop the ball big time on that a few months ago so if that's the attitude then the G... is probably corrupt to some extent.
The Go****r drver was one in the corrupt probe.........