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Persons blatantly advertising services requiring cross-border runs - Top CoP

- declares war on illegal smugglers putting VI community @ risk during lockdowns
Persons advertising services that require cross-border runs to the USVI even as the territory has a strict border closure, could find themselves before the courts, Commissioner of Police, Mr Micheal B. Matthews said. Photo: VINO/File/KFC
US Virgin Islands resident Mr Bryan D. Bolan, along with local Tambu Frett, was found entering the Virgin Islands while the Virgin Islands’ borders were closed and a curfew in place on Friday, April 3, 2020. Photo: Facebook/File
US Virgin Islands resident Mr Bryan D. Bolan, along with local Tambu Frett, was found entering the Virgin Islands while the Virgin Islands’ borders were closed and a curfew in place on Friday, April 3, 2020. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Persons advertising services that require cross-border runs to the US Virgin Islands (USVI), even as the Territory has a strict COVID-19 border closure, could find themselves before the courts, Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael B. Matthews has said.

"When you see adverts by our ferry companies, for example, saying hey, we'll get you Kentucky Fried Chicken whilst we are in St Thomas, what does that tell you about social responsibility?" the Commissioner told Japhix Television (JTV) on August 25, 2020. 

"Why would you be offering to add a service in that might risk somebody going on to land and collecting an additional item, that really isn't an essential here?" an irate Mr Matthews rhetorically asked.

The Commissioner said there are numerous examples of advertising for illegal runs and this comes at a time when the Territory has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Possible prosecutions - CoP Matthews 

"And these people are blatant, they put it out on social media with numbers saying call us and we'll go shopping for you in St Thomas," he said. 

Commissioner Matthews continues, "Well it is not authorised to do that, and frankly, some of those people are going to find themselves facing the magistrate as a result of those actions," he said.

Over the past week, the Territory has seen clusters of COVID-19 cases as a result of community spread in people who have had no recent travel history.

Authorities have since announced another partial lockdown beginning, August 15, 2020, from 5:01 pm to 4:59 am.

CoP Matthews reiterated calls for the public to report instances of people smuggling by calling the force's hotline on 311 or texting a confidential WhatsApp on 368-9112.

48 Responses to “Persons blatantly advertising services requiring cross-border runs - Top CoP”

  • hello? (26/08/2020, 08:10) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
    Commissioner, I think that people are believing that KFC is cargo. they are saying that if the boats are allowed to bring up cargo then KFC will be part of the cargo.
    • Lucifer (26/08/2020, 11:36) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Does the KFC pass through proper customs checks like the rest of the cargo?
  • Just don’t get it (26/08/2020, 08:12) Like (28) Dislike (6) Reply
    By the time that KFC get to you from St. Thomas, just imagine how much bacteria is in that fried chicken and sides that you guys in the BVI is addicted to.
    • two cents (26/08/2020, 16:31) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      This would not be a problem if they would just open up the place to franchises and stop holding the place hostage. Other Caribbean islands have KFC, Burger king, etc. why are all these restricted in the BVI.
      • robocop (26/08/2020, 16:48) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
        I suspect its because if they allowed people in who knew how to run a business without ripping off customers a lot of local businesses would not be too happy. Something like Costco or Walmart would run Riteway and Onemart out of business in a few months but who needs affordable groceries when we can keep pumping money into the hands of a few wealthy and connected locals
      • THINK! (26/08/2020, 18:00) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        Scato have all the chicken and sides you can eat.
      • @Two cents (27/08/2020, 06:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Is St Barts a Caribbean Island?
        Your moniker ,,"two cents"suits you perfectly.
  • Hmmmm (26/08/2020, 08:12) Like (34) Dislike (6) Reply
    KFC chicken is also used for smuggling Contrabands
    • @hmmmm (26/08/2020, 09:03) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
      You finally spilled the beans, what took you so long? Down to a simple bag of M&M’S CANDY BAG IS OPEN, PACKED WITH THE DRUGS SEALED BACK UP AND WALLAH. THEY GO AS FAR AS PUTTING THE DRUGS INSIDE OF A BABY DIAPER WHILE THE BABY IS WEARING THE DIAPER, who would think a baby is passing through customs with drugs inside of the diaper? Who would think a simple tampax inside a woman’s bag is stuffed with drugs?
  • Lb (26/08/2020, 08:22) Like (12) Dislike (51) Reply
    This has nothing to do wth the police. This man and his cronies continue to over reach. This is a Customs matter as it deals with the importation of goods.

    The purlose of the ferry runs is to bring in cargo, mail and goods from the USVI.

    How is KFC any different? There is no different risk than my USVI family sending my mail or medicines on the ferry for me. No difference in risk than the furniture store in STT packing my new fridge or TV and putting it on the ferry for me.

    This is the absolute most ridiculous thing this Overseer has ever said. Sounds to me like he is just upset that local residents are able to get any perks, such as KFC, during this time. Seems to me that he thinks we should only get the basics to survive and that he should retain control. That big C word CONTROL seems to be his motive.
    • To Lb (26/08/2020, 09:10) Like (40) Dislike (7) Reply
      You sound like a d@m n @ $ $ ....guest you vex you can't get your bucket of KFC and a side order of Covid 19
    • and (26/08/2020, 09:23) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      presumably it’s the fact it’s well known contraband is smuggled in with kfc, that of course is a police (and customs) matter
    • @Lb (26/08/2020, 10:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is
    • wize up (27/08/2020, 05:17) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Lb. I cant believe human can be so dam stupid. What the hell ? Can't you live without KFC? You love your gut rather than your health? You are on medication for heaven's sake. Leave the fatty chicken alone. Dumb dumber dumbest
  • TOWN (26/08/2020, 08:41) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    people taken this like a joke but question is what is next they always start small :)
  • Really (26/08/2020, 08:44) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    I don't see the purpose of this statement. Al the cargo and groceries that come on the ferries do not require someone going on land to collect them. I believe they are dropped off at the ferry and the same can be done with the KFC, what exactly is the issue?
  • But (26/08/2020, 08:58) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    Cop: "Why would you be offering to add a service in that might risk somebody going on to land and collecting an additional item, that really isn't an essential here?" an irate Mr Matthews rhetorically asked."

    But, one has to go on to land to pick up general cargo. What is the difference. And is food not an essential item? I thought chicken potatoes and corn were good. Well Sah food is not an essential item

    Old people say: there is more than one way to skin a cat - I.e. there's more than one way a matter can be accomplished.

    Well, they do not have to go on to land, they can get someone to bring it to the boat at the dock.

    Look, BVI cannot isolate itself.
  • pat (26/08/2020, 09:00) Like (2) Dislike (27) Reply

    so mike has failed at being commissioner now he going after our people for eating KFC just like the racist g****r he needs to go

  • think (26/08/2020, 09:00) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is the KFC delivered dot the dock or does the crew go to the restaurant to get it? One is cargo, the later is risking the spread of the virus. One would hope that the crew stay on the vessel and have no interaction with the public in St Thomas.
    • question (26/08/2020, 10:56) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      what control is in place to keep the crew members from going on land once they reach St Thomas?
      • Good Question (27/08/2020, 02:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        A law enforcement officer or customs officer should accompany the crew on these trips, to ensure...
  • To Lb (26/08/2020, 09:32) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    You just dont get it, do you? Getting a fridge or furniture from STT I'm sure those goods are delivered to the dock with no need for personal interaction. Getting KFC means going to KFC, standing in line for however long and rubbing shoulders with someone who only God alone knows has what and bringing a disease back to Tortola. I think that's the main concern here of the Commish. Safety first should always be our priority.
    • Lb (26/08/2020, 11:36) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      Any common sense? St Thomas is wide open. People are in and out of the furniture store ask day every day touching and trying the merchandise. The delivery guys have to touch and pack all the furniture. Drop it to the ferry and interact with the ferry personnel.

      KFC has a drive thru. Orders can be called in and prepared for pick up one time.

      There is no difference in the potential level of exposure to covid-19 whether it is mail, furniture or kfc
  • BIG M (26/08/2020, 09:32) Like (8) Dislike (27) Reply
    COP Matthew you have been a total failure. The police marine unit has gone to nothing. You have place officers at the unit who has no knowledge of marine. The officers needs training. When Donovan was in charge you had a proper unit. You have refused to put locals at the marine unit who has vast experience. There are many officers in force who has the knowledge but are place other area to work. So Mr. Commissioner stop using the talk of KFC and look after the marine unit.
  • really?? (26/08/2020, 09:38) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    OMG!! People like you go to the extreme to find a way to break/alter the law for your own convenience, hence why Tortola has become the way it is today. Who is going to KFC to get the chicken and coming in contact with God know who and then infect some innocent person on the ferry and so on? This is how the virus is spreading. On the other hand the government has to find a way to co-exist with Covid -19 because it's not going anywhere soon. You simply cannot continue to shut down every time you get another positive. Grow some b...s and simply punish the ones breaking the laws despite who they know or related to. If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything. The ferry boat is advertising getting KFC - sanction them. If they are allowing an employee to break the law - sanction them - at the end of the day it is their responsibility. I guarantee they don't try this or any other going into the USVI.
    • Lb (26/08/2020, 17:08) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      What damn law? Up to now the Overseer can't say what law is being broken!

      If I call my cousin in STT to put a bucket of chicken on the ferry for me. Is any law being broken? Is there any different risk of covid-19 transmission than if that same cousin put my mail on the ferry....or put the microwave I ordered on the ferry?

      If the company that is advertising is simply taking orders and sending the orders to their business person already on STT to pick up the KFC orders or anything else for that matter, what is the problem? There is no difference.

      But you house slaves are so far up massah's behind that you can't see.

      The Overseer is only assuming that the ferry crew is leaving the boat and going in land to buy KFC. He has no evidence of that. But he threw it out there to divide and conquer. And you house slaves ate it up.

      The companies have their counterparts on STT who are placing the orders, collecting the KFC and bringing them to the ferry just like the regular cargo. There is nothing illegal or more dangerous going on.
      • lol (27/08/2020, 05:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Go learn to fry your own chicken. Long guts. On here debating KFC. Check your we***t... do you really nee KFC. At a time like this you here talking about petty kfc. Go some place . Get your a$$ some where else
  • Rubber Duck (26/08/2020, 09:56) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Statistics throughout the world prove that obese people are much more likely to die from Covid than slim people.
    You really want to be eating that fried crap?
  • ReX FeRal (26/08/2020, 10:40) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Mr. COP, AgJoke, COC. Prosecute all, convict all, jail all, sieze all boats, destroy all boats. Send a dam message instead of the grand standing chatter.
  • Chicken joint (26/08/2020, 10:44) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    Why eating stale illegally imported KFC when you can get delicious fresh hot chicken at Scatos?
    No, I am not family just a happy customer
  • Fast Food (26/08/2020, 11:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I live in St. Thomas and I don’t buy or eat any fast food. I make my own fried chicken and the sides at home. It taste better and is cleaner, do you guys think they have the time to clean and wash the chicken the way it is done at home? That is why it is called fast food. Chicken remove from bag, dump in seasoning and pressure fry. Good eats folks.
  • Cant Be That Good (26/08/2020, 11:09) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    What is so special about KFC anyways? These are mechanically grown modified chicken which is bad for our health. I ask again what is the hoopla with KFC? I guess we will never know.
    • intel (26/08/2020, 13:24) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
      Now you know why they love themselves some good ole KFC in the BVI. The drugs is being packed in certain chicken orders heading to the BVI. I can’t say for sure if the boat crew knows or not. They also put drugs in the pampers that the baby is wearing. Who would suspect a baby sitting or sleeping on his/her mother’s lap is carrying drugs in their pampers.
    • Bandit (26/08/2020, 14:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The imported chicken that you buy and eat from the local groceries are grown the same way the KFC
  • broke (26/08/2020, 11:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Got to make money some how
  • Local (26/08/2020, 11:31) Like (5) Dislike (22) Reply

    Mathew you for real wanting to prosecute for KFC man go do some real policing and get off your @#$ you surpose to be some top cop help solve crime come up with solutions make sure your officers working do some patrol to see exactly what going on with your people get out the AC man justify your post instead of talking sh*t when a small trying to make ends meet prosecute your officers for abuse of power , moon lighting don't start me up Mathews

    • @local (26/08/2020, 13:36) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
      One delivery of KFC has the potential to cause a major outbreak and can have massive implications for the entire country so forgive me but that is the priority, not one 'small' trying to make ends meet.
  • Fake News (26/08/2020, 12:14) Like (1) Dislike (25) Reply
    Top shits not top cops. I said it there my beloved people. Them some Worthless piece of shitts.
  • Bree (26/08/2020, 12:47) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    @Chicken Joint and Deep Fried

    Scato's chicken is good but you can get way better one by doing it yourself. Here is a way to do it. Most fast food chicken basically use these herbs and spices to season their chicken. Here is the list, black pepper, white pepper, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, celery powder, chili pepper, ginger powder, thyme and basil.
    Clean chicken as usual and season them with above items. In a bowl mix eggs (qty depends on how much chicken you are frying, most use from one to three), flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder add water or milk (which ever one you prefer). Next dip chicken in mixture and place on a baking rack over baking sheet. Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make sure the all excess dripping a remove. The place them in some dry flour again (you can season if your want). Leave them for a few minutes and then fry.
    Forgot to mention for best results season the chicken at least eight hour or overnight before frying.
  • GG (26/08/2020, 13:46) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    How come he doesn't talk about the brand new boat that the police destroyed recently. They just got a 39 ft midnight Express patrol boat with triple 400s sailed for a month and ran it aground a bet most of u didn't know that
  • Ferry operator (26/08/2020, 17:35) Like (1) Dislike (12) Reply
    Some ayo ppl here just ah jack a$$ like the commissioner which ferry company employee test positive for COVID -19 NONE so wa kfc have to do with he lazy ass officers wa was suppose be securing the boarders but want drink rum an blame the ferry them for bring kfc
  • Interesting (26/08/2020, 19:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is so interesting that all of a sudden questions are flying as well as assumptions are made about crew members leaving the dock to go pick up KFC. If simple logic serves me correctly, ferry operators in the BVI have staff, and likewise their offices in the USVI have also. If this is a service being offered by the company, it seams more feasible that the collections of the orders would be made by the staff that are stationed/resident in the USVI and brought to the dock to be transported to Tortola.

    There was big public outcry when orders from Cost U Less and Pricesmart could not come from STT initially. But here again is is not the same ferries that these cargo is being transported on. Yes there is a spike in cases in STT. But be known Covid also lives on surfaces for varying periods. Therefore, it doesn't have to be human to human transmission.

    So KFC like food, mails etc are goods and services that are commonly transported. Do not just single out KFC. You cannot definitively state that the crew on the vessels are the ones that are going into KFC, so if you want to make that big stretch safely stop transporting all goods and services between the BVI and the USVI. See what kind of impact it is going to have.

    I really had respect for the Commish, but while he is there talking about making example of people, I hope he can quote the relevant section of the Law to support the charges he is going to levy, because I will await hearing about the pending suit and the amount of money he cost the BVI.

    Make no mistake, I am aware that people use these methods to smuggle all kinds of things, but the other side of the coin is there is a large majority of persons that use the service offered and secure goods legitimately and for legal purposes.
  • go back to Cyprus (27/08/2020, 04:51) Like (0) Dislike (17) Reply
    mick should return to Cyprus he’s not welcome here

    Useless commissioner can’t even find dead Governor’s servant rotting under his nose!!!


    Disgraceful
  • cnn (27/08/2020, 07:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The cop needs work to do another trump blame everyone else except himself
  • Chick-Fil-A (28/08/2020, 19:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I feelin so NICE NICE NICE, more chicken and FRIES FRIES FRIES. Yeh, meh son!


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