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Press Release From Independent Source

Officers of RVIPF express views on passing of supt. Holder

Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force are still shocked at the news of sudden death of Superintendent of Prisons Richard Holder, a comrade and long-serving member of their team. Photo:VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force are still shocked at the news of sudden death of Superintendent of Prisons Richard Holder, a comrade and long-serving member of their team.

The announcement Saturday evening of the death of Holder, who had served in the Force for 31 years, having held the post of Superintendent of Police, drew a number of dignitaries, police and prison officers, and others out of their homes to his bedside at Peebles Hospital. 

Acting Commissioner of Police David Morris who was at the hospital on Saturday evening shared that he and Holder often played squash together. 

“I was most stunned at the news of Richard’s passing especially since we often played squash and had done so up to last Tuesday evening on courts at Pasea Estate. He was an aggressive player and active member of the Tortola Sports Club. I am extremely saddened by his passing,” he said. 

Other officers of the Force also expressed sadness at the news and shared memories of working under the supervision of the then Superintendent of Police. 

Inspector Ariel Cameron noted that the former superintendent made his expectations of officers known to those he supervised and worked well with those that met those expectations.

“Superintendent Holder had good relationships with those who carried out his commands. He willingly accepted things that come up unexpectedly, but had little tolerance for excuses and neglect when it came to officer’s duties. This, at times, caused him to butt heads with officers but I personally appreciated and respected his forthrightness. I am saddened to hear of his untimely death.

Chief Inspector Kenrick Headley, who also worked under the supervision of Holder, says that he always tried to achieve perfect.

“He wanted things done professionally, at a high standard at all times and wanted timely updates about any orders or instructions given. I know his leadership style was beneficial to many officers who were elevated from places of mediocrity into providing a good service and I am sure he took this leadership style to the Prison when he assumed his position there. He will be sincerely missed.

A number of officers have visited the family since Holder’s passing at their home in Duff’s Bottom and have expressed their condolence. Police have also assigned a family liaison officer. 

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