Locals still a minority in the VI Police Force
Data obtained by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) shows that less than 20% of the RVIPF members are BVIslanders and Belongers, even as the Commissioner of Police, Michael B. Matthews swore into service a new set of young Police Officers last week.
This new cohort will fill existing vacancies, as well as begin the delivery of the Government’s commitment to increase the size of the regular force by 15 officers per year, for the next three years according to a Police press release.
Locals shut out again
“BVIslanders make up almost half of 17 newly enlisted constables,” and, for the “first time, females exceed the number of males by one; nine females to eight males,” the same press release notes.
However, despite this, locals and Belongers at all ranks of the RVIPF are still a minority in the Police Force and other countries represented, outnumbered BVIslanders when combined. These countires are St. Vincent, Jamaica, The Dominican Republic, Haiti, Guyana, St. Lucia and Dominica.
The Police press released also notes, “This cohort contains the first officer to join the force right out of high school and the youngest officer to be locally trained. Some of those sworn in were former members of the Virgin Islands Cadet Corps, with one auxiliary officer among the cohort."
During the swearing-in ceremony, Matthews congratulated the new recruits for successfully making it through the rigorous qualification process. “Our standards are high; you are here because you met them. The qualification process is not easy, but we wanted the best… Therefore, we congratulate you,” Mathews said.
Locals and Belongers complained that they do not get a fair chance in the Police Force and that most of the senior local officers have been forced out within the last eight years. With a British Police Commissioner, no one has been assigned to understudy Mr Mathews, despite the Deputy being near retirement.
Same thing at the Prison
Over at Her Majesty’s Prison, it appears to be the same situation, where less than 20% of Prison Officers are Belongers or BVIslanders.
Many locals continue to complain that they have been discriminated against in many public sectors jobs including the Police, the Ports, Airports Authority and in some private sector companies.
The Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) is known to have told teachers—well respected Public Servants—that, “nothing can be done to protect locals.”
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
9 Responses to “Locals still a minority in the VI Police Force”