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New CoP Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews expected in April 2016

- UK national currently serving as Chief Constable of Cyprus Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Police Force
Governor John S. Duncan, OBE has announced that UK national Mr Michael 'Mick' Matthews is the new Commissioner of Police. Mr Matthews is expected to take up his post in mid April 2016. Photo: gloucestercitizen.co.uk
Mr Michael 'Mick' Matthews is currently serving as Chief Constable of Cyprus Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Police Force. Photo: Twitter
Mr Michael 'Mick' Matthews is currently serving as Chief Constable of Cyprus Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Police Force. Photo: Twitter
Mr Matthews was Chief Constable of the Gloucestershire Constabulary prior to his appointment in Cyprus. He was awarded the Queens Police Medal for distinguished service in the New Years Honours list of 2013. Photo: Department of Information
Mr Matthews was Chief Constable of the Gloucestershire Constabulary prior to his appointment in Cyprus. He was awarded the Queens Police Medal for distinguished service in the New Years Honours list of 2013. Photo: Department of Information
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- He may say in his defence that it was a play on words but after leading the public to believe that the man to replace David Morris at the helm of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) would not be from the United Kingdom, taken to mean by many a non-United Kingdom (UK) national, Governor John S. Duncan, OBE has announced that UK national Mr Michael Matthews is the new Commissioner of Police.

The announcement came yesterday, January 20, 2016 via a press release sent out by the Department of Information.

“Governor John S. Duncan, OBE, acting in accordance with Sections 97(1) and 97(2) of the Virgin Islands Constitution, following the recommendation of the Virgin Islands Police Service Commission and advice of the National Security Council, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Michael Matthews as Police Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).”

It further said Mr Mathews is currently Chief Constable of the Cyprus Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Police Force.

“The SBA is a British Overseas Territory and Mr Matthews is expected to come directly from that position to take up the post of RVIPF Commissioner in mid April 2016.”

Did Governor Duncan mislead the public?

Speaking on the JTV Channel 55 show Spotlight with host Cromwell Smith aka Edju En ka on Tuesday January 12, 2016, Governor Duncan implied that a new Commissioner of Police (CoP) has been identified and that he was not coming from the United Kingdom.

“I hope that we are well underway to getting a good Commissioner who will come in and help build that capacity,” Mr Duncan said in referring to the issue of security in the Virgin Islands.

Asked how close he was to getting a Commissioner of Police, Governor Duncan said: “Well, I hope to see this man coming within a matter of a few months.”

Asked by Mr Smith whether the person would be coming from the UK, Governor Duncan said: “Actually not from the UK but his nationality will be revealed in the fullness of time.”

There have been questions from sections of the public as to why a local police officer or someone from the Caribbean region was not considered for the post, especially since there have been rants about economic racism plaguing the RVIPF.

Virgin Islands News Online had accurately reported on January 19, 2016 that a UK national was likely to be the CoP, despite what the public was led to believe.

About Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews

According to our research, Mr Matthews was born in Erith, Kent, and has been a serving police officer for more than 30 years.

He has an active twitter account on which he consistently updates the public on developments pertaining to his police work and that of his department. On one of his posts he stated his idol was the late David Bowie.

The former ‘butcher boy’ told a UK news magazine in 2012 that his hero is Sir Richard C.N. Branson, “because he is probably one of the UK's greatest entrepreneurs. He is a fantastic business role model, an innovative and creative individual who is passionate about whatever he takes on and is prepared to fight his competition. He also discovered and signed some of my favourite bands.”

According to the Department of Information, Mr Matthews began his police career in 1982 and brings a wide range of strategic and operational policing experience to his new role. He was Chief Constable of the Gloucestershire Constabulary prior to his appointment in Cyprus.

Mr Matthews was awarded the Queens Police Medal for distinguished service in the New Years Honours list of 2013.

42 Responses to “New CoP Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews expected in April 2016”

  • 2016 (21/01/2016, 09:05) Like (10) Dislike (26) Reply
    Ok another white man! smh
    • Online Now (21/01/2016, 09:30) Like (50) Dislike (9) Reply
      We are getting a top class police officer with great experience and a fantastic background. Why is colour so important? He was picked for his ability and not his skin pigmentation!
      • wize up (21/01/2016, 10:20) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
        @ online now: how you know that this guy is so fantastic sound like you work with him before: they brought in set of fantastic guys years ago and to this the territory still have a substantial number of unsolved criminal matters( please note I have made no reference to their complexion)....what i do know, BVI is a great social center!!!! the sailing, semi private bars/restaurants/cycling clubs and getting a fantastic sun tan( go talk that )
        • Call a racist a racist (21/01/2016, 10:34) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          @2016 - if the cap fits!
        • John doe (21/01/2016, 10:56) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
          The unsolved matters you refer to is because we Tola people don't help out police investigations. Without any information or leads they can't solve crimes. It is a crying shame because people in the community know who committing some of these crimes. If they don't tell police how you expect them (whether they from BVI, Down Island or UK) to solve the crimes. Nothing to do with skin colour at all.
          • *Hmm (21/01/2016, 11:30) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
            Thank you John doe, you hit the nail directly on its head. The intelligence of some ppl makes you wonder at times. A crime happens, the criminal gets away, his/her friends or family know it's them but doesn't say anything, the police investigate & ask the public's help in solving the crime. No one comes forward yet bash the police they can't solve nothing. Somebody with sense pls help me understand that logic :/
            • wize up (21/01/2016, 12:20) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
              @ * Hmm: get the point and the point is....the local officers were not bringing the portraits of these cimes to justice; in comes a set of so called experts the UK and they have done no better that the local officers(that's the point).....you did raise a valid argument ( one can not slove crime without the involvement of the community).... don't give up hope and keep smiling
            • mindovermatter (22/01/2016, 03:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
              No different from when people go to church and the pastor call for persons to come to altar to give their lives to christ after all the prancing up but they stay in the pew. We all come short and could be the reason for our plight now.
              • Ghost (31/01/2016, 20:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
                May be, they afraid of the pastor. You never no, ppl goes to church with their own agenda, Christian community they call it. Soooo what u expect.
        • Online Now (21/01/2016, 12:51) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ Wize up - I don't know him but can judge from his experience quoted above. "He was Chief Constable of the Gloucestershire Constabulary prior to his appointment in Cyprus." That is a large area he was in charge of

          As to your other points;
          - Why do you think most people move here? It's because of the sailing, sun etc. Of course he will enjoy those and why shouldn't he? What are his contracted hours - 40 a week? What he does with the rest of his time is up to him!
          - Substantial unsolved crimes - only the local populace can help solve those. Without their help, you could bring in the best detectives in the world and still not solve the crimes.
          • wize up (21/01/2016, 13:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
            @ online: you are beginning to scare me; if I have offended you I sincerely apologize; please forgive my level of stupidity and trust that you can find it in your heart to forgive me(I thank you)...
      • Gofigureitout (21/01/2016, 11:40) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
        That was said about Barry WEBB. What happened to has A$$?
      • @ Online Now (21/01/2016, 13:09) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
        Because we live in a black country and racism is a REAL ISSUE IN THE RVIPF
    • facts man (21/01/2016, 16:59) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
      There are many locals righ here who can do this job
    • @ 2016 (21/01/2016, 18:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is very disturbing,
    • pff (19/02/2016, 00:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      There we go again ...the same old outdated attitude from locals ..who keep killing each other fast pace....if you cant discipline yurselv
      es ,who can?
  • Buh wait (21/01/2016, 09:28) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    dem ain say da it aint goin be somebody from the uk again
    • BRAD BOYNES (21/01/2016, 09:53) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      These people are in their comfort zones lying to the people of the Virgin Islands, but the Bible speaks to liars. Keep on living.
  • wize up (21/01/2016, 09:49) Like (0) Dislike (9) Reply
    I hope this one dont run up phone bills in the thousands of dollars or sell his private vehicle to the police.... ( I heard so and just so I talking it)
  • Ques (21/01/2016, 09:54) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
    Why a white cop as commissioner in a predominately black community? What does that mean . Is it addressed in the constitution? Let us hope he is not coming to retire.let us hope he can build the morale in the force. Seemingly BVI is for everyone else except BVIslanders.
  • Blackhawk (21/01/2016, 09:59) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Get your independence from England, then appoint a local.
    • wize up (21/01/2016, 10:27) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      @ blackhaw: stay off the rum; just a point of information under the Virgin Islands Party administrations the territory did have 2 VI Landers heading the police department and yes while under british rules......
  • ss (21/01/2016, 10:36) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply

    ducan is a dam l**r

  • Tidal wavr (21/01/2016, 11:29) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Once it not Alvin Roy or Amory I can live with thing Te talk
  • Street Cop. (21/01/2016, 13:00) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is rather troubling when those who have sworn to protect us are more concerned about nationality or race etc than serving the good people of this Territory. In many Police/Military Services, this has led to simple things as profiling and in more serious cases Ethnic cleansing. The RVIPF has, for too long now struggled with these issues, mainly because of the number of different Nationalities/cultures that are part of its Ranks. Being black,white or any color certainly is not a requirement to be COP of the RVIPF though I beleive, that there are certain "few" who may feel favored by his skin tone or lack there of . On the other hand, there are others who are not concern about anything that would benefit the the Force or this Territory as long as they could undermine and manipulate the system sometime through paltry legal challenges and other means to their selfish advantage. If the Ranks of RVIPF is truly committed about making the teritory as shown on their website " One of the safest places in the Caribbean". Skin color or nationality should not be a concern.
  • JACK BE STILL (21/01/2016, 13:11) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    This is yet another step backwards
  • ey (21/01/2016, 13:58) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hey Mick (Hey Mate).... Get it...??
  • History (21/01/2016, 17:46) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    I feel like if yall knew BVI History you would all know the reasons for everything but they don't teach it in school! I don't want to ruffle any feathers with facts but most of those white people and other island people is what build the BVI to what it is today. If you want to check some facts... ask yourself when the high school (BVI High) was built and when was world war 2. Our country is still young compared to other countries/islands who had institutions for more than probably 100years while we're still in 20-30 years but you know... yall never listen or like change so..
  • trrefdrfds (21/01/2016, 19:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's so true History you know exactly what your saying atlease someone comment something sensible .am so glad its not Mr A .thank you god
  • Sweet Sierra (21/01/2016, 19:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    His credentials are amazing. Plus he is easy on the eyes.
  • Lord o (21/01/2016, 22:12) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    Poor Alvin. Sorry for black people. Keep the fate my brother.
  • Let him come (22/01/2016, 01:23) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bring him on. I'm routing for him. You guys are too selfish, bullish and prejudice
  • shakespeare (22/01/2016, 09:06) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    This BVI mentality... see it, don't like it, shoot it down. Let him prove his credentials. Hold him to his sworn duty, but don't hinder the work of him and his officers. skin color shouldn't matter, judge the guy (and and other person within the RVIPD) by their attitude and work ethic.

    We to quick to pass mouth-gas... smh
  • in the news (22/01/2016, 20:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Will the change in the method of selection of the CoP impact on crime?

    Will a better or different CoP lead to a decrease in crime?
  • egg face (22/01/2016, 20:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think that a new CoP could bring a new image and energy to the police service.
  • John (23/01/2016, 16:26) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Another failed experiment in the making. Sad but true..
  • chad (24/01/2016, 10:55) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Regardless of skin color, when you look at the TRUTH..... Black people are the only race that allow someone of another nationality and color to govern and rule them. THAT is a real issue.
  • cop (19/02/2016, 15:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I'm an ex Chief Cop and know Mick Matthews very well having worked with him previously. He's a dedicated loyal professional and although I have no knowledge of the competition for this job whether local or not, in this appointment I think the BVI has secured a first class leader for their police service. He has a breadth of operational and leadership experience in many forces and through his most recent posting in Cyprus, understands local policing and local politics. More importantly he has policed very diverse communities and I know he will be focussed on trying ensure the local public get want they want and need from local policing. Although I have visited the BVI and love both the country and the people I have met, I can't speak for policing there as I haven't worked there. But British Policing is based on building respect and confidence from local people and I know that is what Mick will be focussed on in delivering his mission for the Governor John Duncan. Give him a chance To deliver for you and the judge him.
  • once bitten... (17/04/2016, 01:18) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Guys....get ready for pay cuts...thats what he does best.


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