Police Commissioner Reynell Frazer credits the absence of serious incidents surrounding the festival celebrations to the diligent work of assigned police officers.

Just prior to this year’s festivities, the Commissioner had promised that officers would be out in large numbers monitoring activities particularly within crowded areas and removing persons who appeared to be promoting or engaging in disorderly conduct.

“We had patrols on ground as much as possible and even though there were several skirmishes during the Road Town Rise and Shine Tramp and during the last night of the Carrot Bay Fiesta, we were able to move in time to avert injuries and casualties. The officers executed their duties efficiently and effectively,” he said.

Police removed several young men during the Monday morning Rise and Shine Tramp for fighting and disorderly conduct.

19-year-old Javorn Fahie, who injured an officer while being subdued, was formally charged with assaulting a police officer. Police also charged Andrew Wilson of Major Bay for disorderly conduct in a separate incident.

The Commissioner extended his gratitude to all the assigned officers who remained on task and unrelenting in their efforts to minimize serious incidents during their lengthy hours of duty. He also noted his gratitude to the BVI Festival Committee and particularly the chairman Collin Scatliffe, who set out in their planning to include the RVIPF in provisions for security and the management of crowds and incidents in order to reduce injuries or casualties.

“Police were a part of planning so we had an opportunity to adequately arrange for personnel, a move which made way for a more secure and safe season,” he said.

In relation to the recent robberies in Road Town and West End and the burglary of a business place in Road Town, Commissioner Frazer stated his resolve to see that all the perpetrators are identified and captured..

“Our detectives made good on a promise and charged the five young men involved in the robbery of two tourists on Wickham’s Cay. Officers are similarly in pursuit of those who carried out the daylight robbery of First Bank Ltd., the Denzel Clyne Rental Car Agency in West End and those who burglarized Said Department Store. A number leads are being followed in these incidents,” he said.

Police continue to encourage members of the public who may have information about these incidents to pass that information on through the police website at www.rvipolice.com under the heading ‘Help Solve a Crime’.  Persons can also contact the Commissioner of Police directly at 468-9333 or the Deputy Commissioner at 468-9334.