9 out of 12 new RVIPF recruits will be locals- CoP Matthews
The ratio between locals and ex-pats has always seen a higher number of ex-pats joining the RVIPF.
Mr Matthews said the expansion comes at a time when the territory’s finances are low because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
His comments were made following the rise in violent crimes, particularly homicides occurring since September 2020.
The territory recorded another brazen daylight murder last week when St Vincent and the Grenadines native Deverson Williams was shot to death in Fish Bay.
Economics 'tight'
Speaking to reporters during a press conference held jointly with Premier and Minister for Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Governor John J. Rankin, CMG on Thursday, March 18, 2021, Matthews said: “In the ideal world, we would have more police officers on the streets, but we have been allowed to recruit again this year even at a time when the economy is shrinking we are hoping to bring in 12 new recruits this year.
“The good news on that front is, as it sits on paper, we are doing their background checks, and nine of those 12 are BV Islanders, bred and born. So it’s a good news story, but it’s happening in a time when the economics are tight, and I have to be realistic about that, and the Premier and the Governor has to hold me to account to make sure that I am making the best use of what I am given in the first place,” he added.
COP Matthews closed by reiterating that security in any country is vital.
“If we haven’t got security in the territory, we haven’t got anything, so we have to continue to review and invest where necessary in the security of the territory,” he said.
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19 Responses to “9 out of 12 new RVIPF recruits will be locals- CoP Matthews”
Old people want honest young adults in the force. This is asking them to sell out their peers and perpetuate what is being globally acknowledged as a racially unjust and scientifically unjustified system of prohibition, for money.
Police earn large pay and benefits, that could be going to people raised right here who know the community inside & out.
I was stopped on a jog once by officers, and asked where I live, what my name is, and why I feel safe doing this after sunset.
What happened after that? nothing because I wasn’t doing anything wrong but I felt less safe being questioned by people who don’t know you or believe what you say. I took a drink of water and they said I’m thinking of what to say next which exposes their belief that I’m lying. Everyone is a criminal to them.
Then the police are always asking for information.
If people have information will they feel comfortable going to talk to a friendly officer they know who they think is cool, or a strange officer.
Whatever side the young officer stands on among their peers no one wants to be a sell out and the legislation must change to encourage a better policing environment.
If you are locking people up for a plant in 2021 then you are part of the problem. We need to hear police speak out on these issues as people in a difficult position.
P-l-e-a-s-e! Pretty sure you're not a Virgin Islander based on "Honestly police without ties to the BVI/including Customs is important for any country" Which Country that? Only in the USVI/BVI and the USA One can really observe this Trend. Why We can't defend Our Own without being put down or labelled.
Who ain't up the jail waiting on trial.....I'm happy my homies finally decide to get their @##*$ up and earn a living. Sick of my fellow Bvilanders being labeled as lazy .
that don't means s**t if they don't step up and do the work and stop protecting their own. out of minimum locals who joined in the last 15yrs the percentage of getting caught, leaking information, running from work because them from here and just collecting a check or shown cant be trusted is high and risky. get serious people highlighting the percentage to please local public dont cut crime.