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COVID-19 claims life of Police Sergeant Algon G. Smikle

-Top CoP Mark Collins channels sadness into plea for VI to get vaccinated
Commissioner of Police, Mr Mark Collins has confirmed the death of beloved husband, father, and Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Sergeant, Mr Algon G. Smikle who died from COVID-19 related complications at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. Photo: RVIPF/Facebook
Shortly after the VI reported on its 14th COVID-19 related death, the news of Sergeant Smikle’s death was shared on the Facebook page of the RVIPF by Commissioner of Police, Mr Mark Collins in sad tribute. Photo: Facebook
Shortly after the VI reported on its 14th COVID-19 related death, the news of Sergeant Smikle’s death was shared on the Facebook page of the RVIPF by Commissioner of Police, Mr Mark Collins in sad tribute. Photo: Facebook
Sergeant Algon G. Smikle, wife Davene Harris-Smikle along with two children in happier times. Photo: Facebook
Sergeant Algon G. Smikle, wife Davene Harris-Smikle along with two children in happier times. Photo: Facebook
 In 2017, Mr Algon G. Smikle is seen standing beside his son Andre Smikle who graduated as valedictorian of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School. Photo: VINO/File
In 2017, Mr Algon G. Smikle is seen standing beside his son Andre Smikle who graduated as valedictorian of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Commissioner of Police, Mr Mark Collins has confirmed the death of beloved husband, father, and Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Sergeant, Mr Algon G. Smikle who died from COVID-19 related complications at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.

Shortly after the VI reported on its 14th COVID-19 related death, the news of Sergeant Smikle’s passing was shared on the Facebook page of the RVIPF by Commissioner of Police, Mr Collins in sad tribute.   

'Loss hits way too close to home' - Commissioner 

According to the Commissioner, “Like many of you, I received the news this morning [July 17, 2021] of the passing of our colleague and friend, Sergeant Algon Smikle. It is difficult to put into words any emotions that adequately capture the shock we all feel right now. Suffice it to say, this loss hits way too close to home.”

The Commissioner, who was recently appointed to the helm of the RVIPF said while he did not know Sergeant Smikle as well as his many colleagues, “I feel the same sadness that one within the family is torn away so suddenly and tragically.”

According to Mr Collins, the late Sergeant was affiliated with the Armed Response Unit of the force, and for that unit, he said the loss will be "even more difficult."

"I spoke with Algon's family to let them know we all share in their grief, and I will visit with his wife and the children at an appropriate time," he said. 

“I will simply say here that this is [the] nature of COVID-19. It is merciless and unapologetic and leaves behind a path of destruction when it is allowed to ravage any society. I hoped I would never see this play out in the BVI,” Mr Collins went on to say.

Persons urged to get vaccinated 

The Top CoP further used the opportunity to urge all in the territory to get vaccinated against the deadly virus at the 'Operation Protect Each Other' COVID-19 drive-through initiative continuing tomorrow from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Festival Grounds, Wickham’s Cay II, Tortola, tomorrow Sunday, July 18, 2021.

“All I will say is please avail yourselves of that opportunity. More importantly, I implore all within the establishment to apply the public safety protocols at all times. It is paramount that we do not neglect to take the necessary precautions to maximize the safety for ourselves and that of others. There is no place for complacency,” he said.

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) extends condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Police Sergeant Smikle and all others who died in the past days as a result of the pandemic.

29 Responses to “COVID-19 claims life of Police Sergeant Algon G. Smikle”

  • wow (17/07/2021, 20:30) Like (22) Dislike (9) Reply
    R.I.P to you my bro, this is soo sad. Get vaccinated people, that is the difference between life and death.
    • If Trump was President.. (18/07/2021, 00:06) Like (24) Dislike (49) Reply
      This is China's doing. If Trump was President China wouldn't get away with this......Since The Olympic ban all China athletes for cheating some years ago China vow to get back at them..The one in England almost never happen, the one in Brazil was on the brink of cancelleation, the one In Japan got prosponed, now Japan determined to pull it off, China is determined to stop it to sabbatage it...Viruses are their tool of vengeance,, By October when the Olympic is done the World will be back to normal, until the next Olympic,....If Trump was President this would never happen. Trump aint my favorit, but China and WHO dont play with him and he aint playing with them...He was the man for this Crisis..Of course WHO is supporting China
      • @iFTRUMP (18/07/2021, 00:38) Like (28) Dislike (11) Reply
        Trump made this pandemic worse - in the USA at least. Selfish, vain, coward. Wouldn’t wear a mask. Told people it was a hoax made up to ruin his chance for re-election. Put his own political fortunes and power above the Public Health and the health of the Democracy.
      • Love (18/07/2021, 03:49) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
        Please go away. This is not the time.
      • Idiot. (18/07/2021, 04:59) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
        You know it’s covid 19 right. Who was the president in 2019?

        Right. So stop your nonsense.
      • Simplicity (18/07/2021, 07:55) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
        Now really isn't the time for this foolishness. RIP Sarge.
      • Really? (18/07/2021, 14:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        You obviously don’t follow U.S. politics if you’re saying this. Trump is the reason we have this crisis in the first place. He politicized this pandemic & did not do much to curb the spread ,saying’it’s going to be fine’, ‘we have it under control’, ‘it’s going to miraculously go away’, The ironic thing is: he created Operation Warp Speed to get a vaccine out to the people and now you Trumpians are afraid to take it. How silly is that!
  • Condolences to the family and friends of the deceased (17/07/2021, 20:35) Like (46) Dislike (1) Reply
    May they be comforted in this, their time of grief.
  • (17/07/2021, 20:45) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    So sad...he will be missed!
  • wise up (17/07/2021, 20:47) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
    Condolences to the family, he was a nice guy
  • Eagle Eye (17/07/2021, 20:55) Like (27) Dislike (12) Reply
    S.I.P. my dear friend. My advice to those who reading my few words. I'm asking you sincerely. If you have not yet taken the Covid vaccine. Please go and do so at the soonest time. That's my only advice at this time.
  • Sad (17/07/2021, 21:39) Like (26) Dislike (5) Reply
    And SOME people out there still thinking covid isn't real
  • local girl (17/07/2021, 21:49) Like (12) Dislike (65) Reply
    Strupes, and in other news, come on people keep moving nothing to see here.
    Everyone has to die, it's reality.
  • Buffalo soldier (17/07/2021, 23:00) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Rest in Peace King. you was one of the Royal Virgin Island Police Force Finest. gone to soon. my greatest sympathy goes to the family.
  • Lorna (17/07/2021, 23:02) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    RIP my former high school mate!
  • huh (17/07/2021, 23:03) Like (16) Dislike (40) Reply
    When was the autopsy done ?
  • Refusing to be Vaccinated (17/07/2021, 23:54) Like (23) Dislike (8) Reply
    This is sad, so sad, but its their chice not to take the vaccine...Its only about 3 days ago I witnessed a lady begging and pleading with a Police officer to take the vaccine and he was determined not to take it,, I hope this will make him and others reconsider their stands and step to safe their own life..
  • RealTalk (18/07/2021, 00:12) Like (14) Dislike (8) Reply
    All who died and might should be glorified like this vino they are important just as much facts. RIP to all
  • Andrew Cox Sr (18/07/2021, 06:24) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    my sincere condolences to all of the love ones and be of good courage
  • RIP Sergeant (18/07/2021, 06:49) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    Condolences to Officer Smickle’s wife, children, family, friends and the Jamaican community, may you find comfort in God’s love and His words. Words can’t express what you must be feeling at this time. God’s blessings and keeping you all in prayers.
  • home boy (18/07/2021, 10:36) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    My Condolences goes out to Sgt Smikle family and his RVIPF family.
  • Ya awl (18/07/2021, 12:48) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    My family and I send our deepest sympathies to Sergeant Smikle’s family, loved ones, friends and colleagues. This is another very sad loss for our community. RIP Algon.
  • Richie (19/07/2021, 14:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    this hurt
  • Liars (20/07/2021, 14:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Every one have the right to choose to take the vaccine or not is they own choice . Here in THE UK from the 19 July we are night pressure to wear the mask all day anymore but any one who wants to still wear they mask is free to do so at they own will.
  • Home girl. (20/07/2021, 17:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Condolences to the wife & children of Algon Smikle. we love you. But Jesus love you best.
    RIP cousin.


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