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 must obey the law while enforcing it - Mr Reynell Frazer

- Governor Duncan lauds the VI as safest in the Caribbean; while Commissioner Michael Matthews applauds residents’ intolerance for lawlessness
Former Commissioner of Police Mr Reynell Frazer has sternly reminded officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) it is critical that they at all times obey the laws of the territory even while enforcing it. Photo: VINO
Governor John S. Duncan OBE (left) and Police Commissioner Michael 'Mick' Matthews (right) at the the church service held at the New Testament Church of God/International Worship Centre (NTCOG/IWC) on February 26, 2017 marking the beginning of a year-long celebration for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) 50th anniversary as an independent constabulary in the Virgin Islands (UK). Photo: VINO
Governor John S. Duncan OBE (left) and Police Commissioner Michael 'Mick' Matthews (right) at the the church service held at the New Testament Church of God/International Worship Centre (NTCOG/IWC) on February 26, 2017 marking the beginning of a year-long celebration for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) 50th anniversary as an independent constabulary in the Virgin Islands (UK). Photo: VINO
Mr Reynell Frazer challenged members of the church, residents, citizens and visitors to honour their civil duties by being the eyes and ears of the police. Photo: VINO
Mr Reynell Frazer challenged members of the church, residents, citizens and visitors to honour their civil duties by being the eyes and ears of the police. Photo: VINO
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI - Former Commissioner of Police Mr Reynell Frazer sternly reminded officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) it is critical that they at all times obey the laws of the territory even while enforcing it.

Mr Frazer was invited to give remarks at the church service held at the New Testament Church of God/International Worship Centre (NTCOG/IWC) on February 26, 2017 marking the beginning of a year-long celebration for the RVIPF's 50th anniversary as an independent constabulary in the Virgin Islands (UK).

Serve without fear or favour

"A police must obey the law while enforcing the law. Failing to do so, consequence will apply," remarked Mr Frazer.

According to the former commissioner of Police, the common denominator for rank and file of all police officers is to serve Her Majesty the Queen and this territory without fear, favour, malice or ill will. "You are required to serve with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding fundamental human rights and according respect to all people, and to discharge your duties faithfully according to law."

While noting that majority of the officers are doing their best to make a difference with regards to the oath they have taken, they must continue to do so even though they may not get the credit they deserve.

Eyes & ears of the police

Mr Frazer also challenged members of the church, residents, citizens and visitors to honour their civil duties. "We have a civil duty and moral obligation to support the police in the execution of their duties - serving as eyes and ears of the police in our territory."

He alluded to the silent comments of "Can't be trusted, I don't trust them" but urged that not all the officers should be branded as being untrustworthy because of mistrust in respect of a few officers. "There must be at least one in whom you have confidence and can share invaluable information, hence making our territory safer to live."

Frazer's remarks were on behalf of all the retired officers who were present at the church service.

VI safest island in the Caribbean

His Excellency the Governor, John S. Duncan OBE saluted all the former commissioners of Police who served the territory over the past 50 years, giving special recognition to Mr Frazer. "Thank you for your dedication to the service, to this territory and its people," said Mr Duncan, as he added, "I would also like to say thank you to the ordinary officers of the RVIPF, we are still one of the safest islands in the whole Caribbean." That recognition was responded to with loud applause from the congregation.

HE Duncan; however, noted that there are still many challenges ahead.

Change in the Atmosphere

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Mr Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews alluded to an obvious change among the people of the territory, who he said are now showing greater intolerance for lawlessness. 

Matthews said that for the break of this year he has sensed an atmosphere in the Virgin Islands that is very encouraging. "I sense a shift in the atmosphere especially in this New Year, 2017 and I am sensing that it’s good, a sense of local intolerance towards lawlessness and a refusal to make excuses or defend disorder and disrespect."

He also had much compliments showered on the ranks of the RVIPF while noting that it’s not often he gets to see all his officers in one place.

"You are doing a fantastic job…Keep it up because you are something that we all are very proud of."

Notably absent were elected representatives of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Government.

13 Responses to “Police must obey the law while enforcing it - Mr Reynell Frazer”

  • Just saying.... (27/02/2017, 09:57) Like (27) Dislike (26) Reply
    Who break the laws more than them police when he was the chief?
    • Reply (27/02/2017, 22:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      There are a lot of things which have been abnormal for a long time in the RVIPF
  • Self Interest (27/02/2017, 10:10) Like (13) Dislike (6) Reply
    Notably the elected members of the national Democratic party were absent because they care less about the country. Them think they are above the law and the Governor. I hope the entire country is taking note. If polices go on strike I bet their ass will be on the frontline talking piss.
  • Observer (27/02/2017, 11:12) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Country divided? Not one member of the Honourable House of Assembly was present. It was shameful. This shows how
    they regard law and order in this Territory. Shame on them!!!! No wonder the young people are acting the way they do.
    • Sound Speech (06/03/2017, 22:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Perfectly said, this is messy and there will be no apology. The day of reckoning is fast appearing, even the blind will be seeking the rocks to hide him.
  • I wonder (27/02/2017, 11:47) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    That's shameful that no one from NDP attended such an important event. I certainly hope there is a valid excuse.
  • man about town (27/02/2017, 11:49) Like (11) Dislike (16) Reply
    Those words spoken is not that of the former Commissioner of Police Mr. Fraser. I am the views that those spoken words were that of the news media. I knew Mr. Fraser and he was not a peron who have respect and abide for the rules of law. At one point I remembered that he told his subordinate, " what law, everything is law law law". He is very good of fishing, and just like another former Commissioner Morris also have no respect for the law, notwithstanding he came to weed out. None of the above could step in the shoes of Commissioner Matthew. Happy 50th anniversary to serving members and retired officer of the RVIPF.
  • wize up (27/02/2017, 12:07) Like (2) Dislike (17) Reply
    Somehow this new Commissioner of police thinks that is alright for police in this territory to beat up on any member of the public....the laws of this territory clearly stipulates how every police officer must execute his or her duties be that officer is in plainclothes; uniform or a task force:: most of the persons being abused by the current task force are unarmed members of the public(not even a tooth pick) and poses no harm to the police that are beating them up(they are being beaten just for speaking or not giving their name...petty matters)...somehow the same task force can not apprehend those with the guns and dope that runs around terrorizing our villages and killing innocent people)...when last the Commissioner of police gave this territory any update on the those countless unsolved crimes(just a question).....blog on; bloggers!!!!
  • zoe (27/02/2017, 12:48) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    More talk strupps
  • insider (27/02/2017, 15:16) Like (4) Dislike (16) Reply
    we need James back at the top
  • tretretrete (27/02/2017, 15:31) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
    I'm tired of police blogging on every website...
  • Whether white or black, native or non-native (27/02/2017, 17:13) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply

    This current commissioner and his team are doing a Da#n good job. All we need now is for them to get a workable Budget to recruit and weed-out these Da#n criminals and murderers among us creating havoc. Point-Blank!

    Time to Expand Our Minds Our People-

    Read- St Kitts-Nevis police to get drones and other new technology to fight crime
    Published on February 3, 2017, in The Caribbean Newspaper.

    BASSETERRE, St Kitts (SKNIS) -- New technological equipment, including drones, is being brought to bear on law enforcement in St Kitts and Nevis, as the government seeks to consolidate gains in 2016 in reducing crime.

    At a press conference on Wednesday, prime minister and minister of national security, Dr Timothy Harris, stated that a new mobile patrol unit will be deployed in the federation, bringing the number to two. A number of drones will also be deployed to increase surveillance in order to detect and deter from crime.

    The closed circuit television (CCTV) programme will also be enhanced with systems in the capital cities of Basseterre and Charlestown, as well as in Frigate Bay, Conaree, St Peter’s and Shadwell being expanded.

    “Equipment and appliances have already been brought in and a further shipment is in progress,” Harris said. “We have one of the top international firms in the CCTV industry - that is Vivotek - working with us.”

    If you wish to read more on this, go to- http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-St-Kitts-Nevis-police-to-get-drones-and-other-new-technology-to-fight-crimes

    The Utilization of Knowledge is the Greatest Manifestation of Power. Read from ALL Perspectives and then Decide for yourselves.





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.