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Customs Boss Wade N. Smith sent on Administrative Leave!

Commissioner of Customs, Virgin Islander Wade N. Smith has been sent on administrative leave with pay. Photo: VINO File
Police Commissioner Mark Collins, left, is still on his job despite blatant corruption in the police force. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is under the portfolio of Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, right. Photo: GIS/File
Police Commissioner Mark Collins, left, is still on his job despite blatant corruption in the police force. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is under the portfolio of Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, right. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI: Word reaching our newsroom is that Commissioner of Customs, Virgin Islander Wade N. Smith has been sent on administrative leave with pay.

The leave took effect from 5:00 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2022.

The reasons for the leave are unknown.

The Commission of Inquiry report written by retired British Judge Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom found no corruption in the Customs Department under Mr Smith's leadership.

However, many believe that this is revenge against Mr Smith for exposing corruption in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

Double standards?

It was the Customs Department that exposed human smuggling in the police force in an incident between Tortola and St. Thomas using the police boat, along with the police bar hoping scandal using a police boat to go from bar to bar to drink on the cays. To date, no actions have been taken for those transgressions and no one has been sent on leave.

Police Commissioner Mark Collins is still on his job after he released what many described as a racist and offensive video depicting the Territory as a crime-infected place. Mr. Collins said it was a recruiting video, despite outrage from the public and the National Unity Government.

The police force is under the portfolio of Governor John J. Rankin, CMG.

Newly appointed Financial Secretary, Mr Jeremiah G.A. Frett, up to publication time, did not respond to our queries about the leave imposed on Mr Smith.

77 Responses to “Customs Boss Wade N. Smith sent on Administrative Leave!”

  • rubber duck (19/08/2022, 11:11) Like (20) Dislike (96) Reply
    Vino is the only one with an accurate story on this matter
  • Windy (19/08/2022, 11:12) Like (22) Dislike (63) Reply
    Another sacrifical lamb
  • J (19/08/2022, 11:26) Like (105) Dislike (10) Reply
    This has nothing to do with revenge. Customs needed to be investigated a long time ago. Rumors have been lingering about its leadership for a very long time as well. Let the investigators do what they need to do so that integrity can be restored.
    • @ j (19/08/2022, 11:49) Like (51) Dislike (71) Reply
      What about the police commissioner? When is he going on leave!?
    • to J (19/08/2022, 11:53) Like (37) Dislike (65) Reply
      The most corrupt organization is the police but as usual anything under the Governor and UK that is wrong gets a pass or gets to clean up themselves. The same thing happened again under the Governor hand pick Commissioner for the COI, and his pre authored report. BVI WAKE UP.
      • Rubber Duck (19/08/2022, 19:28) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        It was the Governor who suspended him. Customs is also ultimately under the Governor.
    • Oracle (19/08/2022, 12:35) Like (29) Dislike (5) Reply
      He should relax and take a nice holiday in Miami.
    • @J (19/08/2022, 13:36) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      U are a customs officer hiding behind social media. I hope when they vet those officers they have the proper credentials for promotion. Social promotion in Customs has to stop and that is the only corruption goin on in there.
  • Hmm (19/08/2022, 11:39) Like (45) Dislike (5) Reply
    Which corruption he expose,he was just trying to shield himself,he know what was coming.
  • resident (19/08/2022, 11:41) Like (15) Dislike (37) Reply
    Do you remember the bit in the CoI where there were unaccounted for receipt books; so you could pay duty and have something to show at the gate, to get out, but there was no record of the duty paid. Higinbottom seemed to think that was bad. What a racist!



    • To resident (19/08/2022, 12:34) Like (24) Dislike (9) Reply
      If the Head of Departments will be made responsible for all that is in question under their watch, then the past commissioner of police should have been fired long ago and the current one be put on immediate leave. Too much double standard. It is clear this is about a larger plot overall.
      • SUMMER HEAT (24/08/2022, 01:45) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        sound like you don't like the commissioner of police but let me enlighten you he is doing a wonderful job cleaning up corruption and locking up people who do wrong I wish we will keep him forever best commissioner ever now go and document this
  • bvi (19/08/2022, 11:47) Like (17) Dislike (11) Reply
    Double Standards indeed.
  • Truth. (19/08/2022, 11:49) Like (24) Dislike (28) Reply
    This should have happened a long time ago. But because he is one of them , they are covering up for him. But now time to be investigated mr Smith.
    Airplane Smith too. The Police can go bar hopping if they want , they control Law and Order in the Territory, that can go anywhere where they want on any boat you o show their new recruits strategic points.
    • Julius (19/08/2022, 12:39) Like (27) Dislike (4) Reply
      Dr Smith is still working at the age of 77. Dont think he would be doing that if he was rich from corruption.
  • It is called (19/08/2022, 11:52) Like (29) Dislike (19) Reply
    Making room for a UK national
  • Dodge (19/08/2022, 11:56) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    WHEN YOU ALL FINISH WITH HIM COME P.W.D FOR H&H THEY ARE RUNNING THE PLACE LIKE THEIR PERSONAL PLACE ASK THE SCHOOL CHILDREN THEM AND YOU WILL HEAR
  • flUffy (19/08/2022, 11:58) Like (60) Dislike (3) Reply
    So what is the big surprise???it took too long!! As Janet jackson had ask in her song "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?..WADE no disrespect my brother but they had no right putting you back in that position after you ran for politics..Day light does run till moonlight catch up wirh it....
  • Youth (19/08/2022, 12:00) Like (72) Dislike (71) Reply
    What is wrong with BVI people? Can't everyone see that this is not about right or wrong but about a plot to take over? Watch and see how this was set up by the governor and his UK bosses. First, they get us to fight each other. Then they get us to believe that we can do nothing good and need them although we built the BVI without their help. Then they make us think we need them to rush in as saviors to clean things up when it is really to take us over with our permission and some of our help and out of well-placed fear by them. Four hundred years all over again.
    • @Youth (19/08/2022, 15:49) Like (33) Dislike (1) Reply

      You need to stop b**ching about who taking over; if our people weren't so stupid taking bates and getting caught in traps that were set for them, we wouldn't be in the position we in. It sickens my stomach driving by the round about and reading the sign about integrity. They need to take the @## of it down because we don't know the first meaning about integrity.

    • BuzzBvi (19/08/2022, 16:18) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
      BVI truly in trouble when The Youth are thinking like this.
  • bbc (19/08/2022, 12:02) Like (14) Dislike (28) Reply
    Buckingham will be sending his replacement in a few weeks meanwhile gun crime and murders on the rise under police commissioners from the united kingdom….no update on the unsolved murders in the country but commissioner still getting paid: there is substantial criminal conduct within the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force; Officers in those tactical units assisting their fellow country people with drug movements/u have police officers who were granted bail that are no longer in the jurisdiction however not on word from our commissioner but i understand the people of this territory have become second class and being blame for all the crimes while those frequently brought before the justice system are from throughout the caribbean
  • hmmm (19/08/2022, 12:17) Like (16) Dislike (26) Reply
    While I agree with some of the recommendations of the COI, it is clear not all are good for the people of the BVI. The COI was done from an 1880 Commission of Inquiry Act which was slavery based created by colonial masters as it was only passed 46 years after slavery was abolished in the BVI. This means the foundation of the law was built by the slave masters who are the same ones using it today to judge the people of the BVI in a modern-day society using a commissioner that the same law allows the governor alone to hand pick without a transparent process to have the handpicked Commissioner of the COI to do an inquiry that is said to be independent although commissioned by the same governor. The Commissioner of the COI is given staff to maintain the independence of the COI, but they are the very staff in the same department from the UK department where the governor is employed and take his orders from. HOW CAN THIS BE INDEPENDENT? HOW CAN THIS BE TRANSPARENT? HOW CAN THIS BE RIGHT IN THE 21ST CENTURY? What else did anyone expect but a report aligned directly with their plans for many years now but now using this opportunity to roll it out under the disguise of the report and good governance. Be vigilant people.
    • WOW (19/08/2022, 12:30) Like (10) Dislike (19) Reply
      Well put. The manner the COI was initiated and done and the report itself and some of its contents should be legally challenged. We are not a people without rights.
    • Rolling My Eyes (19/08/2022, 15:15) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      All I see there is blah blah blah
    • hello (19/08/2022, 19:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Wade
  • Outside (19/08/2022, 12:19) Like (60) Dislike (6) Reply
    Whenever I read some articles from this media house, I'm disappointed in the content. Board on opinions, assumptions and miniscule on facts. The approach on reporting should be more Fact driven, leaving the assumptions to the readers. (Fact)... "Mr. Wade Smith Customs Boss was sent on Administrative leave pending investigation" is fact and that should be all. All other material of the article should be omitted.
    • asura (19/08/2022, 12:28) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
      you should call VINO to see if they have openings
    • @ outside (19/08/2022, 12:48) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      What is your point we all have freedom of speech
    • @Outaider. Get real.. (19/08/2022, 12:59) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
      People just don't get send home pending investigation..There must be something, much no one knows. .Immigration taking long to fix ..Hope them next..When Foy and Maynard start talking to safe themselves, The BVI will be in shock for years .
    • @ outside (19/08/2022, 14:05) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Then keep off vino
  • Customs boss is arrested. (19/08/2022, 12:30) Like (43) Dislike (2) Reply
    That would have been news.. This is not news this is expected from all we've been hearing. He should have been prepared for this..More to come..
  • Fight the power (19/08/2022, 12:30) Like (35) Dislike (42) Reply
    only locals are placed on leave Dr O'Neal, Najah and now Wade but Collins sit in his AC after insulting the people..BLACK LIVES MATTERS
    • Wrong (19/08/2022, 15:12) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      All lives matter. When the politicians need a dead black man they praise it as horro but when the men innstreets shootings each other after church or funerals. They don’t care. Blm is a political weapon. For insecure ass white people
    • black man (19/08/2022, 19:55) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Black Lives Matter to everyone except the black’s. Instead of uniting you cryin you blamin you killin? Pity.
  • White supremacy (19/08/2022, 12:34) Like (15) Dislike (25) Reply
    Ranking will always protect Collins
  • Sam (19/08/2022, 12:40) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    The people of the vi like to jump to conclusions let us hear the out come
  • The TRUTH (19/08/2022, 12:57) Like (13) Dislike (14) Reply
    All Ayo lost!! This Ain got Ntn to do with coi, I heard some English people saying that “we going get a Uk lawyer and have him write the gov. About these fines wade smith imposed on us and he’s not going to be in that position past 6 months “ I guess they know what they were saying.. that’s a 1.2 billion a year industry run by them, who are also campaign contributors in the Uk..hmm
  • here we go again (19/08/2022, 13:32) Like (23) Dislike (14) Reply
    Trust you guys to turn this into another hate campaign against the COP. This has nothing to do with the police department. Just another way for you to peddle your hate.
  • Guest (19/08/2022, 13:56) Like (25) Dislike (5) Reply
    Reading these comments let’s me know how morally and ethically corrupt the BVI is……
    • hai (19/08/2022, 16:33) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thank you. People are upset because illegal and unethical behavior in society is being curtailed.
  • about time (19/08/2022, 14:33) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    He been at it for years. Jus too clever and not caught. Maybe now his time.
  • my run (19/08/2022, 14:55) Like (27) Dislike (32) Reply
    This is down to skin color what the Uk is doing is wrong and evil
  • hk (19/08/2022, 15:41) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    @ fight the power you want to know why thay up to no good all of you
  • WE ARE CUSTOMS (19/08/2022, 16:14) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where is little Ms.#WEARECUSTOMS? What does she have to say about this? Wade and his gang (HM Customs) have terrorized the Charter Industry for toooo long.
  • 1224 testing (19/08/2022, 16:26) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    when will RSVP become the subject of an inquiry
  • cap (19/08/2022, 17:31) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    Good, let’s hope it’s a permanent leave
  • hello (19/08/2022, 18:07) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are so…. many assumptions and accusations made here. But if we are real and allow ourselves to think positive, we would know that once an investigation begins in any department or office then the head is sent on leave in order to facilitate a smooth and transparent outcome. So I would like to suggest that we wait until such time and see what happens instead of jumping to conclusions.
  • ..... (19/08/2022, 18:41) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    what THE TRUTH said is possible. Whatelse is there to investigate? Pure annoyance, this whole thing. Our Father who art in Heaven. Sigh.
  • oo (19/08/2022, 19:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't know why when them done do 25years of service why they don't go home they all time wait for someone to send them home
  • Interesting (19/08/2022, 19:55) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    Wade just say sorry for whatever you did and the Governor will pardon you just like he pardoned the commissioner of police for the police in paradise video : ) : )
  • vi (19/08/2022, 20:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Put your priorities straight and head south where they don’t extradite people to the USA ???????? school children talking a lot of rumors check your self
  • lmfao (20/08/2022, 08:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    When d police had him to lock up, they refuse, now d news syte saying because he reported corruption they after him. Should have reported his own corruption money laundering and drugs running.
  • question (20/08/2022, 12:01) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wah come ah de millions, he did bring from st.thomas, in boxes a de few years ago, west end terminal. ah dat build dem buildings west with. WEST BANK PUBLIC OFFICIAL ????????????????????????. hope farry get he cut fa fetching de money in de box them.
    2+ MIL USD....... Eagle eys was watching you eyes in the skies.


  • @Truth (20/08/2022, 13:35) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
    Don't mash them white man corn or else they are going to get you one way or the other. Colonialism alive and in control.
  • big show (21/08/2022, 10:53) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    The time has come for the former commissioner of police to take over Her Majesty Customs Department.
  • District #5 (21/08/2022, 17:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    so you saying 1 less opponent for the current representative of the strict five too worry about….asking for my neighbor
  • tolaman (21/08/2022, 18:24) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    So ALL that money from customs that was reported missing, it show up yet? It was stated in the live YouTube hearing, that various custom officers, was /is also custom broker’s. Go back and watch the corruption during the COI questions and answers. #1 have his hands in the cookie jar—— lashing dogs no lie
  • Sam (21/08/2022, 21:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you want top cop to leave go independent it would be worse we don't respect or own the last local leave


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