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NDP Gov’t continues to snub Police anniversary activities

- several police officers cry shame on Government
February 28th, 2017 | Tags: snub NDP Government RVIPF fallout shame
After a no show at the church service on Sunday February 26, 2017 to mark the start of the year-long activities for the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the National Democratic Party Government snubbed the unveiling of the 50th Commemorative Plaque and Luncheon on Monday, February 27, 2017. Photo: VINO
The unveiling of the 50th Commemorative Plaque was done by former Police Commissioner Reynell Frazer (right) and current Commissioner Michael 'Mick' Matthews. Photo: VINO
The unveiling of the 50th Commemorative Plaque was done by former Police Commissioner Reynell Frazer (right) and current Commissioner Michael 'Mick' Matthews. Photo: VINO
Most current and retired police officers attended the unveiling of the 50th Commemorative Plaque and Luncheon of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) on February 27, 2017. Photo: VINO
Most current and retired police officers attended the unveiling of the 50th Commemorative Plaque and Luncheon of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) on February 27, 2017. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Several officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) are crying shame on Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) and his team of government ministers for their no-show at two activities that marked the beginning of the year-long celebrations of the RVIPF’s 50th anniversary as an independent constabulary.

"There is absolutely no excuse why not a single government Minister didn't make a smart effort to come and even just show their face at the church ceremony [Sunday] or this morning [Monday] for at least the unveiling of the plaque," said a senior rank of the RVIPF.

The only politician present at the unveiling of the 50th Anniversary Plaque and Luncheon at the Road Town Police Station on February 27, 2017 was Opposition Leader Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

February 27, 2017 marked the 50th year since the RVIPF severed ties with the Leeward Islands Police Force to become an independent constabulary, something the force sees as a significant feat. While there are a number of activities set to mark the milestone throughout the year, officers expressed that alleged infighting in the government and what they see as a fallout with Governor John S. Duncan OBE and Premier Smith, they are being side-lined.

"No excuse is accepted and the victimisation and high-handed behaviour of this government is clearer and seems to be getting worse by the day. They ended the Budget debate the other day because they vex [Hons] Alvera [Maduro-Caines] and [Delores] Christopher talked out against the airport project. So what's next? Governor told them in public to fix their mess, they vex. So because Governor go church they ain't go?"

"VINO is only you all got balls to ignore all them speeches here and write what is really a concern, so let government know for us cause we can't tell them to their face. They going to victimise us like Cline…" said another obvious distraught rank.

Many others expressed that even if it was a case that the ministers had other urgent matters on their hands, they felt an effort should have been made to at least send a representative to simply give an apology for the ministers’ absence and offer greetings to the Force.

The NDP Government continues to be criticised for slashing the Police Force's budget by 46% since 2012.

23 Responses to “NDP Gov’t continues to snub Police anniversary activities”

  • west end police (28/02/2017, 09:49) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    Leave them its the same police that will lock them up
  • Manabouttown (28/02/2017, 09:57) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    The government do not take security of this country serious. We do not have an army, but more attention must be paid to our local police. Should the police take action , then no one will be out there to police society. Take warning , you better do good.
  • Boycott NDP (28/02/2017, 11:13) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    The police them protect us how stupid stupid stupid can this Government get like wha. The Governor soon gone bout he business. Aiin't he need the protection mehson. Health, Education, Law, Finance all out of control. How stupid stupids Governor fed up speak he mind now the ndp administration acting like sulky wimps how stupid stupid stupid. This damn government is out of control feel like they don't have to answer to nobody. Something wrong with these little dirty minded intruders they can't be from here. Are we so stupid as a people to just take what may. Everybody should boycott all ndp events from now until they get the hell out. Civil servants don't turn up to work. Police call in sick lets go!! Do it in numbers ain't the hell they could do. Start a movement let's go.
  • Binocs (28/02/2017, 11:14) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bet Govt would show up at Customs Week though........
  • No Name (28/02/2017, 11:19) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only politician present at the unveiling of the 50th Anniversary Plaque and Luncheon at the Road Town Police Station on February 27, 2017 was Opposition Leader Andrew A. Fahie (R1).


    When is the next election??
  • wtf? (28/02/2017, 11:27) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
    They should be thankful the NDP didn't come! Less time sitting in the sun listening to BS speeches about nothing. Congratulations RVIPF and let's get busy and on with it! More action, less talk!
  • Lavity (28/02/2017, 11:27) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm turning in my grave. All Virgin Islander must boycott my birthday celebration to show this Government who we really are. Let them plan but don't go. My children should lead the way. This the only way to celebrate my birth in 2017. It will bring me great sorrow if anyone turn up.
  • wize up (28/02/2017, 11:51) Like (4) Dislike (15) Reply
    Big deal: we have so many serious matters in the territory and some here nit picking about who went where: I am sure the commissioner had a good gathering and all went well(call the commissioner of police and ask him)....you VIP cronies need to stop making everything in this territory so political and stop being so divisive.(blogging piss won't help VIP gain political favour)
    • @wize up (28/02/2017, 15:41) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      I hope you start putting better value on your life. This is a serious matter not supporting the police we are asking for protection is a big darn deal.
      • wize up (28/02/2017, 19:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @@ wize up: are you saying not showing up to a gathering mean you do not support it(you really have to much free time)...call the commissioner of police and ask him(if he had any issue) I am sure the good man had a grand time(stop trying to make a mountain out of a mold hill)
    • pep (28/02/2017, 18:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      IT IS WE
  • NotLavity (28/02/2017, 11:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    He would have said don't bring the country any embarrassment and make enemies among our people, but seek an audience to accomplish your aim. If the Government doesn't listen, take the matter to the people. Seek a peaceful solution first.
    • YesLavity (28/02/2017, 15:38) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      If we stand together like the virgins we are this Government will know what time it is. I agree with the Boycott.
  • ccc (28/02/2017, 12:27) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ndp must go
  • Local (28/02/2017, 12:58) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good for them.
  • Local (28/02/2017, 12:58) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good for them.
  • The Great Invitation (28/02/2017, 14:21) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence invites violence. War invites war. Let's keep going shall we Mr Premier? You're already the record holder of 'nation destroyer'.
  • Jack B Nimble (28/02/2017, 15:12) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    In all fairness either the premier or deputy should have been at the opening. Somebody drop the ball. Like the Police or not. It's leadership, more than leadership it's decency...The best they can do now is give the police an apology.
  • Mitch (28/02/2017, 16:00) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    The cop to forward
  • leh dem tek dat (28/02/2017, 17:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The VIP took care of the police and they still voted NDP
  • hmmmmmm (28/02/2017, 19:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Too much dam hypocrisy. Toward we own.snake in grass.the us dollar need to go on strike .u see who really care .police!!!!!!!!.
  • Presley (28/02/2017, 19:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    This was very disrespectful on the part of our leaders. Every inch of the BVI territories are to be respected, and there is no room for immature personal feelings that seem to have come into play. They forget they will not be in office forever, and will need the help of some of those they are snubbing now. Grow up all ready!


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