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

We need stricter enforcement of laws - Donald E. de Castro

- believes stiffer penalties will ensure better compliance & contribute to Government's coffers through fines
Talk show host Donald E. de Castro said that he has seen people breach the 'No Entry' sign in Pasea many times. Here is an accident recently resulting from such a breach. Photo: VINO/File
He said Government needs to pass decent, comprehensive traffic ordinances with steeper fines and this will result in raking in revenue for the Government. Photo: VINO/File
He said Government needs to pass decent, comprehensive traffic ordinances with steeper fines and this will result in raking in revenue for the Government. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Radio talk show host and social commentator Donald E. de Castro said that the enforcement of laws such as that which prohibits smoking in public places like restaurants and other establishments continues to be a problem in the territory. He believes too there should be stronger traffic laws with stiffer penalties.

He was speaking on Wednesday February 10, 2016 during his Straight Talk Programme on ZBVI 780 AM aired between the hours of 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

“The Minister of Health [Hon Ronnie W. Skelton] wants people to display the ‘no-smoking’ signs and he will fine them if they don’t,” he said.

“I understand the concern about that but again enforcement is an issue. Who is supposed to be enforcing these laws. That is a problem we have in the Virgin Islands,” said de Castro.

Just this week, our news site visited a newly established business and while the ambiance and atmosphere were of a high level, it was noticed that persons were allowed to smoke while seated at the bar.

The talk show host also called on the Government to pass upgraded traffic laws and to ensure that persons are made to comply with them.

According to de Castro, people are going through traffic lights and stop signs, parking on side walks and doing other unlawful activities with their vehicles on the road.

He noted that just over a week ago, Magistrate Ayana Baptist-DaBreo fined a driver for breaching the ‘No Entry’ sign in front of RiteWay Pasea, where instead of turning left along James Walter Francis Drive, he entered into the turn off meant for traffic proceeding along the road to turn back and head to town.

“As the Magistrate said, she has seen it happen to often...I have seen it happen too,” he said.

He said Government needs to pass decent, comprehensive traffic ordinance with steeper fines and this will result in raking in revenue for the Government.

18 Responses to “We need stricter enforcement of laws - Donald E. de Castro”

  • dem say (12/02/2016, 09:50) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Go Donald. You doing a great job!
    • HMPH (aka SoCal Comantatar) (12/02/2016, 17:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Donald takin sense for one in he life or is me losin it
  • wize up (12/02/2016, 09:52) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    enforcement of the law is the issue; the territory have laws for almost everything....the territory also needs laws to regulate the politicians especially when it comes to spendings the tax payers money...
    • Really! (12/02/2016, 13:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      You mean the government's mentality is do as I say and not as I do...
  • airhead (12/02/2016, 10:00) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Could not agree more. Strict enforcement and fines would correct a lot of problems and put enough money in BVI coffers so no tax increase needed. Let the law breakers pay!
  • EX (12/02/2016, 10:15) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    The ndp has no regard for law and order
    • +++ (12/02/2016, 23:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      they are above the law and can do whatever they want. no permits, COI, EIA, set backs, height restrictions, poor engineering all without permission...
  • Cookie Monster (12/02/2016, 11:10) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's start with the Government. Let's start with the Government actually obeying its own laws such as development regulations and borrowing guidelines. Then we can move to procurement. Let's minimize or remove all of the waivers of tendering and no bid contracts.

    Let's start there before beating up on citizens and business
  • Missing Link (12/02/2016, 11:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I bet if supercop was on the job he would of had the traffic going go n maybe goverent wouldn't have to rise tax because the extra money would of came in there
    • trrefdrfds (12/02/2016, 14:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Missing link you are correct. Too much foolishness on the road. Just Saturday a woman nearly loose her lift because of a truck driver foolish driving thank God she stamp on her brakes so fast. The vehicle slide and almost hit a pole. If she didn't do that the truck would have kill her no question about that. I was walking along the street and the truck driver was on his phone. Couldn't care less who is on the road

      Drivers we can do better that goes for me too. From today let. Us all strive to do better. This place can be a lot better look out for the other person. We can if we try. Lives are important
  • weed (12/02/2016, 11:57) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    the laws are for the poor not for the rich
  • what (12/02/2016, 12:03) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Enforce the law, for you to bad talk the expat police who doing it. Because when laws are enforced you'll are the same ones saying they harassing the people of the country.
  • myrun (12/02/2016, 12:18) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    who is that man with his backside in the air?
  • driver (12/02/2016, 12:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Remember when they enforce laws they only do or for a number for persons the rest get away .was once in a vehicle with a young I said to him the stop light is red you need to stop .he repliesd you know who I is look the police there and none goin come to me and give me a ticket is who you is in this place and am one of them .so said so done he ran the light and get away with .I told him that's the last time I will drive in his vehicle .
  • joe (12/02/2016, 13:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ndp brake all the law and still there so when the public brake the law and get charge ndp take the money and over spend it what goes around come around
  • lay the cards on the table (12/02/2016, 14:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @,what not a thing go so. Officer do wrong things to they are not above the law. What about the phone, park any place even when off duty. Indecent language. No respect for people and the list goes on. All are not the same but this is a fact. Respect yourself and people would respect you. When your put on the Queen's uniform have some respect for it. You are not your own
  • Ethics (13/02/2016, 14:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is time for all of us to start complying with the laws of this country. If all comply there will be no need for enforcement. Law are made the for Law breakers and the lawless not for those who are law abiding


Create a comment


Submit comment

Create a comment

Submit 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.