Newly appointed Governor, His Excellency Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert has pledged full support for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). Photo: VINO/File

After facing budget cuts under the National Democratic Party (NDP) administration, the police received a boost when previous Governor John S. Duncan OBE used his reserved powers to take monies from the Consolidated Fund to give to it and other departments. Photo: VINO/File

The governor noted that although he has extensive experience with policing and security, he pointed out that what he has done thus for in those areas might not be done in the same way in the territory.

According to Governor Jaspert, “I hope that on a number of levels I can support the police but not just the police but I see safety and security as absolutely critical. So for me in a way one of the first responsibilities of any government or any sort of nation is about securing and making its people feel safe.”

He continued, “If people don’t feel safe sleeping in their homes at night, walking down the street or going to work, you don’t really get pass phase one and that’s why for me security is incredibly dear to my heart and obviously it’s a part of my responsibilities,” Governor Jaspert told reporters at Government House.

His Excellency stated that security and safety is a “key foundation” to everything else that helps to build the territory.

“Its key to building an economy, something that is attracting tourism, to building somewhere, where people want to learn and  develop, where people want to invest, create jobs where all of those are vital if you don’t get pass phase one of security.”

VI security in good position

Meanwhile, the 13^th Governor of the Virgin Islands commented that from what he has heard thus far, the territory is “thankfully in a good position” in terms of security and safety.

However, he did admit that there are some areas where the police rightly needs more assistance and he will work with them to ensure that they are getting the necessary attention that they need in order to fight the crime in the territory.

“I hope to work with the elected government to make sure that the police have the right resources and they have the right capabilities and have the right skills to deal with the issues that they face,” adding that from what he saw so far, he can say that they (police department) have a good team and he will back that fully.

After facing budget cuts under the National Democratic Party (NDP) administration, the police received a boost when previous Governor John S. Duncan OBE used his reserved powers to take monies from the Consolidated Fund to give to it and other departments.

The move was criticised by many serving politicians but received much support from the ordinary members of the public who felt the Government of Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (AL) was not doing enough to assist the police, especially in the wake of several murders.