DPP slams Walwyn for public statement about his arrest
This follows a statement by Mr Walwyn on November 1, 2022, notifying the public he had been arrested and charged for Breach of Trust by a Public Official and, among other things, questioning the motives behind the criminal investigations into the Elmore Stoutt High School Wall Project commissioned under his tenure.
Witch hunt?
According to Walwyn, former Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews had disclosed that the investigation was completed in early 2020 and its findings were sent to the DPP's Office, to decide whether the evidence warranted a pursuance of prosecution.
“Though this matter was publicly discussed by the Commissioner on talk shows and various media during its process, to date, no update has been given to the public about their findings following its conclusion.
“It raises the question as to why a completed investigation by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force that was sent to the DPP's Office, could still find itself as a subject of the Commission of Inquiry as an open investigation. Again, it's worth noting that the Commission of Inquiry recommended that the investigation should continue when according to Commissioner Matthew of the RVIPF, that very investigation was concluded in early 2020. I am left to believe that the original investigation did not yield their desired results,” Mr Walwyn stated.
Not so says DPP
According to the DPP, in a statement on November 1, 2022, contrary to Mr Walwyn’s assertions, an incomplete investigative case file was submitted in 2020, and the same was “quickly returned” to the RVIPF to conduct further investigations.
“However, the case files were never completed by the RVIPF at that stage. The decision was made to bring in an independent team of financial investigators from the United Kingdom to review the investigation, and that review commenced in early 2021. The review was done to ensure that the investigation was completed fairly, transparently and to standard.”
Walwyn seeking to influence potential jurors- DPP
The DDP described Mr Walwyn’s statement as disappointing.
“The statement, among other things, seeks to adversely influence the potential array of jurors who will eventually decide his fate and the fate of other persons similarly charged. Such rhetoric only serves to undermine the course of justice in the Territory.”
It also said the Office of the DPP has always operated in accordance to the law, and “strongly refutes the erroneous and unfounded statements that otherwise has been done.”
Mr Walwyn, an attorney, is one of three persons charged in relation to criminal investigations into the ESHS Wall Project.
Mr Kelvin Thomas, 55, of Chalwell Estate, Tortola was charged in June 2022 with Obtaining property by deception; Making a false statement to a public officer; and Possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct.
Public Officer Lorna Stevens was arrested and charged on October 20, 2022, for Breach of Trust by a Public Officer.
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29 Responses to “DPP slams Walwyn for public statement about his arrest”
The DPP needs to be very careful - her statement was clearly intended to sway jurors, and may come back to haunt her (although I doubt she will be allowed to prosecute it).
Walwyn said that the CoP previously announced that the investigation was complete and the file submitted to the DPP - if the CoP did say that, then Walwyn stated the truth.
The DPP said the investigation was not complete when the report was submitted. So is calling the CoP a liar?
Office is more corrupt, all the cases entire they loses files or can’t prove their case. Stop issuing statements that will make you look bad in the end. Myron has all right in a democratic country to issue statements that the public can choose to read or not. DDP sat on this for over 5 years and now they want to charge him in an election cycle. Political gimmick if you ask me, how many of these cases they will win, I’m waiting… entire department is breach of trust.
the DPP should demonstrate her skills in the court room, not on social media. Nothing against the DPP likewise the fellow who was arrested and let the games begin
I hope whomever is voted unto political office clearly understands that they have an obligation to do what is upful and right
Is all this shenanigan so that his case can be tried by the public? This shows a lack of respect for the law and said actions smack of Trumpism.
A native Virgin Islander to the Nth generation.
Isn't breach of trust under the criminal code 1997,a summary offence,for a summary trial in Magistrate's court?
dpp say is for jury trial??
The DPP is a ID***! Myron issued a statement because he could, he's not trying to taint anything. But what are you trying DPP don't you do the same thing all the time? Are you scare because he's a better lawyer than you? Or is because you're a inco**** f****? Up to yet as the DPP you haven't tried any [major] cases especially a murder trial. The DPP suppose to handle the big cases because they have more experience right or wrong. I don't know so I ask lemme know