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Fake News! Ex Tourism Director was NOT escorted by Police

- social media & local news sites have falsely reported
Some local media house have been falsely reporting that former Director of Tourism, Mrs Sharon P. Flax-Brutus was escorted from the workplace on her final day on the job and items retrieved from her by police. Photo: 284Media
Rhodni A. Skelton is the Deputy Director of the BVI Tourist Board. Photo: GIS/File
Rhodni A. Skelton is the Deputy Director of the BVI Tourist Board. Photo: GIS/File
Police Commissioner Michael B. Matthews has also confirmed that there was no police escort of Mrs Sharon P. Flax-Brutus, but acknowledged a phone call from the Board. Photo: VINO/File
Police Commissioner Michael B. Matthews has also confirmed that there was no police escort of Mrs Sharon P. Flax-Brutus, but acknowledged a phone call from the Board. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Our news centre, well established for its accuracy, has investigated reports and headlines circulating in social media and some in the local press fraternity that the former Director of the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB), Mrs Sharon P. Flax-Brutus, was escorted out of the Tourist Board Office by Police. That information has been found to be false and misleading.

A decision was made by the Directors of the BVI Tourist Board that as of 3:00 PM yesterday, Wednesday, May 20, 2020, Flax-Brutus’ resignation, which was announced to take place in November 2020, would come into immediate effect.

The facts-VINO

This was also conveyed to the staff via an Email obtained by our news centre. After the new departure date and time were relayed there was a meeting with the Human Resources Department and two law enforcement officers; one an immigration officer under the direction of the police and a police officer, met with the Human Resources Manager only to establish a way to obtain items belonging to the Board and which were entrusted into the care of the former Director.

At the time of the meeting between law enforcement and the HR Officer, Mrs Flax-Brutus was neither at the office nor was she escorted from her office at any time, contrary to what some are reporting in the media.

The only other contact was when Mrs Flax-Brutus turned over some small items while she was still on Tortola. These included phones, keys and a laptop, which were the property of the Board.

CoP-confirmed facts

Police Commissioner Michael B. Matthews has also confirmed there was no police escort of Mrs Flax-Brutus, but acknowledged a phone call from the Board.

"The police have played no role in recovering anything and nor would we, it is not a policing matter," Mr Matthews told Virgin Islands News Online, adding; however, that "We had a call from the Tourist Board but officers did not escort her out or retrieve any property," Mr Matthews stated.

The post of Director of the BVITB is now being advertised with a June 5, 2020 deadline for application to be submitted. 

According to our sources close to the process, there is no one tipped to take the post at this time.

In the meantime, no one has been named to act in the post; however, Rhodni A. Skelton is the Deputy Director.

18 Responses to “Fake News! Ex Tourism Director was NOT escorted by Police”

  • WOWW (21/05/2020, 12:00) Like (16) Dislike (5) Reply
    Shame on those news site going with hear say putting it on the news
    • Bum hurt (21/05/2020, 12:37) Like (14) Dislike (5) Reply
      Shame on the entire situation and the way they dealt with her resignation. I think they were butt hurt after her resignation became public and they decided to let her go rather than wait out the couple months. If you asked me, they should have kept her on, an maybe seek a replacement in that time, but that's just my take on it. Can't wait to see who they will put to replace her.
  • Really (21/05/2020, 12:01) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    People done run with it sending wrong I’m WhatsApp that she was escorted by police. Shake my head
  • Jesum (21/05/2020, 12:02) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    lol vino change that headline fast eh
  • right (21/05/2020, 12:04) Like (24) Dislike (27) Reply
    The police did go to the office for her. One immigration who is now working with police and a police. Then they went ferry dock for her when she wasn't in the office. They playing games with they words.
  • Hillary (21/05/2020, 12:08) Like (12) Dislike (11) Reply
    Everything is fake news up to how many cases of covid we have in the BVi
    • Bill (21/05/2020, 21:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      If you know all of that, just do your part and stay home so u don’t get it or spread it.
  • po (21/05/2020, 12:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Strupes.
  • Intel. Analysis (21/05/2020, 12:26) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Source provides information. Information should be developed ( test for its truthfulness) When this is done it becomes intelligence (fact) and ready to be disseminated. A common mistake made by many agencies. Always best to look before you leap. No worries VINO. I hope the Police were not "blasted".
  • Tonge Fu (21/05/2020, 12:36) Like (1) Dislike (33) Reply
    one thing I love about VINO they does have the FACTS
  • lower estate (21/05/2020, 12:51) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply

    I am sure that this lady is honest and does not accept $under the table

  • pat (21/05/2020, 12:55) Like (0) Dislike (25) Reply
    That’s why vino have lasted so long they does have the right information
  • V.I 2 de bone (21/05/2020, 13:09) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can VINO tell us who apart from watsup , which other news site spread the fake news.?
  • School mate (21/05/2020, 15:02) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    ONE THING I KNOW MY ANTIGUAN GAL COULD GET WORK IN ANTIGUA BECAUSE SHE'S AN ANTIGUAN. IF
    YOU ARE BORN TO SOMEONE FROM ANTIGUA DON'T MATTER WHERE YOU ARE AN ANTIGUAN.
  • Thoughtful Sailor (21/05/2020, 16:35) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope they appoint someone with knowledge of the Tourism industry (not much of that on the current Board), and specifically the yachting industry. It's our tourism bread and butter. Sharon did a great job. Hope we are as lucky with the next one. The BVI has a number of capable people, and it would be best if one were chosen.
  • tretretrete (21/05/2020, 16:48) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why did the HR need the Police in the office to discuss that? Still does not sound right.
  • time will tell (21/05/2020, 16:54) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    The premier and shereen well quiet on this matter


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