Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Police Commissioner's post should 'always' be filled by a local' - Hon Maduro-Caines

- calls for Governor's seat to also be filled by a Virgin Islander
Sixth District Representative in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA), Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) is of the view that not only the Governor's seat should be filled by a local but also the Police Commissioner's. Right: Police Commissioner Michael B. Matthews, a United Kingdom national. Photo: VINO/File/Facebook
Meanwhile, Fourth District Representative, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), debating the same topic a day later, raised a number of concerns about the seat of the Governor and the powers ascribed to him by the crown even as the territory should be on the road to self determination. Photo: VINO/File/Twitter
Meanwhile, Fourth District Representative, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), debating the same topic a day later, raised a number of concerns about the seat of the Governor and the powers ascribed to him by the crown even as the territory should be on the road to self determination. Photo: VINO/File/Twitter
DUFF'S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI - Sixth District Representative in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA), Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) has called for not only the Governor's seat to be filled by a local but for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to also be headed by a Virgin Islander, given that both positions are of national security.

"This reform must move further to empower our people, this reform must give our leaders more autonomy to make decisions in the best interest of our people," she said during the HoA debate on the Motion for the VI's overdue constitutional reform on Monday, July 27, 2020.

Locals should hold top seats- Hon Maduro-Caines 

"We might even need to determine whether it's not time to push for a local Governor, should our Commissioner of Police not always be local?" Hon Maduro-Caines questioned. 

The Sixth District Representative said those issues remain important to the people of the VI, so they can enjoy the benefits of being people who are free.

"Are we not at an advantageous stage to ensure that these top positions of national security are in the hands of BVislanders?" Hon Maduro-Caines further questioned.

UK still running things in VI - Hon Vanterpool 

Meanwhile, Fourth District Representative, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), debating the same topic a day later, raised a number of concerns about the seat of the Governor and the powers ascribed to him by the crown, even as the Territory should be on the road to self determination.

"We do not run things in this Constitution... we don't. The United Kingdom run things, the administering power," he said. 

The current seat of Governor is occupied by UK national H.E. Augustus J.U. Jaspert and the Police Commissioner's position is filled by UK national, Michael B. Matthews.

51 Responses to “Police Commissioner's post should 'always' be filled by a local' - Hon Maduro-Caines”

  • there is zero local support (31/07/2020, 10:15) Like (63) Dislike (44) Reply
    For a local police commissioner. The amount of corruption that will follow such as decision will turn the BVI into a criminal ghetto..
    • Norris Turnbull (31/07/2020, 11:26) Like (11) Dislike (10) Reply
      @there is zero local support. Disagree with you to a point but all police service have corruption.
    • josiah'sbay (31/07/2020, 17:08) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      I'm really sick of people that sound the alarm of what will happen to this territory if local seek position toward self determination. There is never a push toward what we can do to keep bad things from happening or what what can be put in place to prevent bad things from happening. The quality of our existence is in our hands so stop the foreboding of negative scenario and start putting forth ideas to prevent negativity from happening. They will never give you more than crumbs. For some people crumbs is all that they want.
      • wow (03/08/2020, 08:40) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        Totally agree with your sentiments. Too much negativity when it comes to giving locals a.chance in Top P
    • Blue (31/07/2020, 18:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      AND THAT IS FACT
  • nope (31/07/2020, 10:22) Like (68) Dislike (34) Reply
    Strongly disagree!! What I love about the army people who came in after Irma was the fact they were all very train professionals and none had no ties to anyone in the BVI. Zero favoritism. If they give you a chance that’s it. Be thankful. It’s important the our Cop remains a Foreigner with zero ties to the British Virgin Islands. Also believe our Customs and Immigration should have a few Foreigners as well. Ain’t that our people are not qualified but for safety reasons and them have to much on island connections so that’s why drugs, weed, guys and people are always being smuggled into our country. Also Mr. Mattews is a fine Cop and been doing a good job. If you don’t like his results; it’s not his fault but the fault of the community who’s been holding back key information while putting the community at risk but keeping the criminals safe.
  • Norris Turnbull (31/07/2020, 10:26) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
    The positions are to control the populace.
  • Transparency (31/07/2020, 10:36) Like (32) Dislike (31) Reply
    We already tried that. Those were the years all arrests went down and crime went up. Can't prosecute the family, friends of the family, friends of good friends of the family, family to policemen and friends of police (happens all the time) oh, that's almost the whole of Tortola, right? There should be a Caribbean police force decided among islands that want to participate and police and police chiefs are rotated regularly.
    • @Transparency (31/07/2020, 11:16) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      I like this idea of a Caribbean police force but wouldnt that mean "Island People" running police? Ima get my popcorn and have a seat now...
    • Crap (31/07/2020, 14:27) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      Transparency is pure nonsense to talking. Under our first local commissioner it had more times when no homicide was recorded for a yr and more. During his time of commissioner the officers knew who was doing most burglary in east end and road town. Where were you . I was there so i know ok..the police force has to much expatriates and most of them fighting for power. The present commissioner cause serious problems in the force but soon it will manifest itself.
  • Llabu (31/07/2020, 10:47) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    BLAH,BLAH, BLAH. GIVE IT TO SONEL........
  • voter (31/07/2020, 10:49) Like (20) Dislike (20) Reply
    If the VIP keeps pushing for independence, my vote going elsewhere!
  • lodger (31/07/2020, 11:29) Like (13) Dislike (21) Reply
    No No No! Tried it twice. Why do you think we have an expat COP? Might be interesting if UK tried a BLACK COP!
  • Samuel Smith (31/07/2020, 11:32) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    @nope. ..Also believe our Customs and Immigration should have a few Foreigners as well. Really......
    Immigration had a manager who was very fair and readonable with people but he didnt entertain bullshit from anyone local or foreign, they did not like him. So having foreigners in immigration will nit change anything. They appoint who they can control.
    • No (05/08/2020, 00:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      And I can't even get a JOB there!

      If you go America those are considered "Federal Jobs", you'd need at the very least a residency. Who are you people making up these ideas ??? All of this is just suiting y'all and how y'all would like our little B V.I run to make y'all feel good, but what about us The BVIslanders??

  • trrefdrfds (31/07/2020, 12:06) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
    All top positions need to be filled by locals. Where a local is not available to immediately take up post contract someone and part of that person’s job would be to train the local to take over - if a local
    Can’t be ready in 2 years we in trouble.
  • LAW (31/07/2020, 12:50) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply

    what that baughers bay **** is talking about please think internationally can the local police be up to reasoning with such things like crimal issues do we have the high tech machines and equiptment to solve our problems eg proper blood works girl go sit down you just like hot wave yes a bvi lanr can hold a top position but we need that higher intelengence advocate personel in the mix people of tortola some of your own people is going to bring you down look england id going to do for us due to all the high political stupidness been talked that is a highet of bullsh*t police comminisioner please do not allow this nonsese to help to reap havoc on us on the other hand if they donot want an external commissioner go back where ypu live and let the work go to hell look big TROUBLE caines you will be the local comminisioner LOOK TROUBLE WHAT THE HELL

  • resident (31/07/2020, 12:57) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lawd, I think some people need a few Civics lessons. B.V.I is a colony/ dependent territory. Therefore, certain things are expected. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Just ask for independence and you will get to have locals in all the positions. You will not have to negotiate anything. It will be all for the taking. Please, Please ask for independence. Tired of this charade. Seems like the constitutional reform is a free market, everybody with a basket trying to pick up what he or she wants.
    Just ask for independence and finish the baby party.
    • taxpayer (31/07/2020, 13:42) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Agreed. I dont think the UK government would shed too many tears over the cost savings it would make not having to bail out the BVI everytime there is a disaster. Of course im sure the locals will be more than happy to pay higher rates of tax to allow the islands to become fully self governing. The other knock on effect would be a departure of the financial services industries which benefit from the current favorable tax regime. I am sure the government will find some way to fill that particular hole in the budget. To make things easier a drop box can also be set up for everyone to return their UK passports.
      • josiah'sbay (31/07/2020, 17:34) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
        taxpayer, you assume a lot. As far as the UK bailing us out after natural disasters they owe us. They have never repaired the damage that they have caused to us. So what, you think that they have no responsibility to us you are sadly mistaken. You can't rape a people of their human resource and natural resources and think that you owe them nothing unless you're barbaric and savagely. What make you think that all of the current things we have in place will be forfeited because we seek self determination? In a civilize world organization like the UN and international organization have a responsibility to protect small countries from larger countries if their sovereignty is being unfairly attacked.
        • @josiah'sbay (31/07/2020, 22:29) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
          Pray tell what are these natural resources that you believe have been 'raped' from the BVI? Look at some of the sub saharan african nations. Some of the most naturally resource rich places on earth yet they have failed to capitalise on independence and corruption is rife. The fact is that a proportion of the local population are too lazy and rely on the taxes paid by 'island people' and expats to support this island. I look at the damage that is still visible from Irma and question why three years later there are still derelict houses and vehicles all about the place. Do locals have no civic pride? They are happy to complain but when it comes to action are not to be found. At what point do you stop wallowing in your own self pity and try to improve your lot?
  • Boom (31/07/2020, 13:00) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    blah blah blah blah, tired of these damn politricscians trying to trick people when they know bloody well know this will never happen, stop it man.
  • Go sit down (31/07/2020, 13:06) Like (30) Dislike (0) Reply
    You want a local so all your zone6 criminals to get away..the present commissioner doing good
  • Dixon (31/07/2020, 13:06) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Surely it should just be the best person for the job wherever that person happens to come from? That said, by having a non local as the head of police they would be less likely to have any bias when dealing with criminals and it means having the right name does not mean a get out of jail free card
  • Not from Here. (31/07/2020, 13:58) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Do you know what the local police doing? Protection their local people when they're wrong. Corruption is very high among the local police.
    • pete (02/08/2020, 11:45) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      also consider the continued conflict of interest in the last administration where ministers ended up feathering their own nests. There is a reason for outsiders watching out for the rule of law.
  • Pure & Simple (31/07/2020, 14:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where were these people? We tried that already. Did it work?
  • taxpayer (31/07/2020, 14:59) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Then you could let local criminals walk free on the street
  • GG (31/07/2020, 16:57) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    All of a sudden, it is a Sin for BVIslanders to be BVIslanders. Our country has come soo good for us BVIslanders to live in it. Ungratefulness is a bigger Sin. Lord help.
    • @wow (31/07/2020, 18:19) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      That is what you get for being nice to strangers. They eventualy get jealous of you and want to take it all. These people have their houses in their country that they build while they live and work in the Virgin Islands in other words they have someplace to go but they still beating up on the locals. God do not like covetousness.
  • What a ting (31/07/2020, 18:28) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do you know why murders are not solved ? The majority of people who do some of these things are blood relatives to officers in the force . They don’t snitch . Natures little secret . So have mercy when there is a local commissioner . More corruption. Once upon a time I use to live near to a local high up officer in the law his relative use to swear , offer to , hit , etc and the relative heard and never once lift a voice to help
  • @wow (31/07/2020, 19:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mison. I agree wid u. U right on target; is so them hate us.
  • GG (31/07/2020, 20:23) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's perfectly fine for other Caribbean nations which these same non local officers come from to have local commissioners. If a BVI Islander apply for that post, they would make a mockery of him or her even if they are over qualified. It just wouldn't happen and they accept that. Now when they come to the Bvi it is a problem. They come with this ignorant saying that Bvi to small, Bvi islanders wouldn't arrest family members. All police forces I bin too, will not put that officer in that position of arresting a family member or cause them to be involve in the investigation. But what should be considered here is the integrity of the officer. Are they judgmental as they are when it comes to there local commissioner the answer no. But simply because they don't want a Bvi islanders for whatever unfactual, unproven reason they say these things which reflects their thoughts of Bvi islanders having prominent roles and building their country through ethical and professional service. It is clear Bvi Islanders who have that potential will be a target for those officers with that trend of thought. I pray for them because it is also clear that those local officers with potential will have their reputation, credibility, integrity, work ethics and Creed come under attack simply because their country is practicing what other countries have been doing from time immoral.

    If I am not mistaken, the cop of Trinidad and Tobago is a born local. They praise him but the thought of a local cop in the Bvi is absurd and dumbfounded. I support every country who is or on the path of empowering their nationals and giving them a platform where they can contribute on a scale where legacies, national heroes or icons can be formed. Support your own in our country but treat expatriates with respect and dignity. Expatriates you can expect to get the same treatment as a local, Visa versa if a Bvi lander go to your country seeking work.

    It is no different from being at a U.S. port of entry, where non us citizens wait until all us nationals are allowed reentry to the U.S. before Them.
  • TREASURE HUNTING (31/07/2020, 20:46) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Too many Gold Diggers in the Virgin Islands. The people of these islands are too naive they cant see beyond the surface of anything. With the effects of the Willie Lynch syndrome and the whitewashing of religion most of us live in la la land. This dysfunctional mentality is being exploited to rape the islands of its resources by Caucasians and sadly our Caribbean Brothers and Sisters. The conscious Virgin Islanders are being opposed by the IDIOTIC ones who are being programmed by the exploiters. Simply put we are being held hostage in our own land by foreigners and its all happening under the ambit of our gracious queen. Its time to put an end to this Tyranny.
  • El Leonard (31/07/2020, 22:50) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Agree with the Hon Alvera Maduro-Caines for the most part in regards to CoP. The CoP should preferably to the maximum extent practical and possible be filled by an eminently qualified Virgin Islander. To make this an on going reality, there must be Virgin Islanders in the pipeline acquiring the education and training, qualification and experience.

    Agree also with the Hon Mark “Action Man” Vanterpool(R4) view regarding the power of the governor. The VI is supposedly an internal self-governing territory, sharing power with the crown. The crown has responsibility for external affairs, defence, RVIPF, internal security, court, jail(shared) and civil service; local government, everything else, including finance. Looking at the list, the crown has disproportionate power; it wields true power. Colonialism and slavery was about control, power and domination. Physical slavery was abolished but colonialism and neocolonialism is alive and well. The control continues and manifest itself through police action and jailing. Is it not interesting that every Anglophone country has a Her Majesty’s Prison but where are the Her Majesty’s Secondary School? Is the attitude incarcerate, not educate? Moreover, the true control and power of the governor is in the reserved power of the position.
  • BVI Native (31/07/2020, 23:05) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    As a Virgin Islander I am disturbed by those who say the Commissioner of Police should be a foreigner. Are you people that dumb? My God My God, are you people really that stupid? Are you telling me that only a foreigner or moreover a white UK National have what it takes to be Commissioner of Police in this my country? Wow! This is outrageous to say the least. What sort of mentality is this? Are we that closed minded? Are we to believe that because a Commissioner is Anglo Saxon he/she do a better job that a local? I am sorry for us and for our people.

    • @BVI Native (03/08/2020, 07:13) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      What an ass you are. this has nothing to do with black or white. The foreign CoP could be Chinese or Black for all I care. The point here is that he or she should not have any ties to BVI to ensure a better chance of BVI Family names not getting away with shiite
  • @what a thing (31/07/2020, 23:54) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    There have been occasions when expat cops have used their influence or position to assist their own country people. During lock down when locals were being tased and arrested a white man was on the road on a motor bike and it was business as usual. It is plane to see that locals have become endangered in their country. I am sure a Virgin Islander cannot and will not go to any other country telling them how to run their country.
  • y (01/08/2020, 05:27) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ crap that is a lie under a local commission there were more unsolved mystery remember those death up windy hill d death in by d round about all the big short out by Delta gas station and I can go on but I am asking you to refresh your memory
  • q (01/08/2020, 05:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    As far as i can see you people want some one that you all can tie with a rope to pull here and there that's all
  • FACTS (01/08/2020, 06:41) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    It's about time someone notice it, it's an insult 2 our country having 2 bring someone here from UK 2 run the police force. Do u no what that is sayn? That despite all the hard train n locals went through the long years they've been in the force that they're still incapable. THATS AN INSULT & it's embarrassing! Do u think u would ever c a local run n the UK police force? Hell no cuz we already tell them we2 stupid we're dum & incapable!!!! Politicians r a disgrace in this damn country!!!!!!! They never put they people first. NEVER!!!!!
  • o (01/08/2020, 08:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Zone6 will be cop.
  • rewrsdffds (01/08/2020, 09:22) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    I'm so sick and tired of hearing local this and local that ( I am a local)... all of the other ots countries are run by foreigners which I think is a good ideal... the bvi always wants this and that. You don't hear the other countries talking this bull.. just do ayo jobs and relax... set of thieves and good for nothings that will only look out for their friends etc... relax... ya'll worry about the wrong things....
  • hey ho (01/08/2020, 15:08) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ tax payer.
    i really really like your idea of a drop box for all BV Islanders to leave their UK Passports in as they walk away from UK.
    Its is obvious that uk is hated by all here ...just as down Island peope are hated.
    I think someone should create an online referendum for independance...see what the real feeling is...... lets stop all of the talk...inuendo.....at the very least if we get independance it will stop Cline from getting on his soap box.
    who out there knows how to set up an online signature petition for undependance.
    or maybe the referendum should be circulated in UK for uk to see how many would vote to approve indepwndance and sever ties with this whining country who wants to suckle on the tiit of uk but wants the car keys also.

    let do it...lets cast a vote.

  • old (01/08/2020, 16:35) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    We have more better things to talk about.Governor and.Police. Commissioner. We need to work together to open the country .So we can move forward. And find work for bvi islanders and be longer. So you could see y England not giving us no money .Because we talk to much.
  • JUST A LOCAL (02/08/2020, 12:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree and so it should be in every Country! These are things America fixed years ago. Reasons why Trump has so much time for immigrants etc. CARIBBEAN ,STAY WOKE!
  • Jell (03/08/2020, 10:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    While we want locals in the high position. We need to be careful the chief fire is a local and he is one of the biggest assholes stupid man.
  • lord now (04/08/2020, 10:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we have given locals top positions in many cases, well in the end some have been proven to be corrupted at all levels. so what next
  • Maverick (04/08/2020, 17:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's pick the plank from our eyes before we tell others what is in their eyes. Build our territory from the bottom up, lay a solid Christian foundation re blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28. Obey Jehovah God, in all our ways acknowledge God and He will direct our paths. Serve the Lord with gladness, let our main focus be God and He will supply our every needs.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.