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I know a white Police Commissioner will breed distrust - Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews

- but said the RVIPF needs to be diverse
From left: Superintendent St Clair Amory; Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews; Deputy Commissioner Alwyn James, and Superintendent of Crime Alexis Charles. Mr Matthews said he expects there will be some concern and distrust with the fact that he is a white Commissioner of Police among some elements of the population of the Virgin Islands but he said it is important for there to be diversity in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). Photo: VINO
Commissioner of Police Mr Michael Matthews was speaking today May 3, 2016 in his first official press conference as Commissioner of Police. It was held at Police Headquarters on Waterfront Drive in Road Town. Photo: VINO
Commissioner of Police Mr Michael Matthews was speaking today May 3, 2016 in his first official press conference as Commissioner of Police. It was held at Police Headquarters on Waterfront Drive in Road Town. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - New Commissioner of Police Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews said he expects there will be some concern and distrust with the fact that he is a white Commissioner of Police among some elements of the population of the Virgin Islands but he said it is important for there to be diversity in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

Matthews was speaking today May 3, 2016 in his first official press conference as Commissioner of Police. It was held at Police Headquarters on Waterfront Drive in Road Town.

Covering a wide number of topics, Matthews outlined some of his plans for the RVIPF and what he sees as important areas of focus as he settles into his job.

“This is about diversity and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is made up of a very diverse number of officers...expats...officers from a number of different countries in the Caribbean and local belongers,” he said.

The UK national said his job is to attract more locals to the RVIPF also “to look to the future about making sure that the local people feel they are represented throughout the ranks, not just at the operational end, but make sure that at the same time we have the right levels of skills and experience to deliver policing across the range that is required here,” he added.

However, he said he is awaiting clearance for the go ahead to spend on recruiting additional persons for the Force.

Persons in the territory have for years criticised the fact that the Commissioner of Police have usually been white and from the UK since they believe there may be qualified locals and Caribbean nationals who may be able to fill the position.

Further, there have been reports that racism exists in the RVIPF, with the white expats receiving preferential treatment.

10 Responses to “I know a white Police Commissioner will breed distrust - Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews”

  • wize up (03/05/2016, 15:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ?
  • Xxx (03/05/2016, 16:20) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    Diversity please boss…white locals can join the force but the top job should not be taken by a white UK man
  • rio (03/05/2016, 16:26) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
    We still on the plantation.
  • I'm not rascist (03/05/2016, 20:19) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I'm white, and I'm worried about you. What did you do on Easter weekend? Did you like 'the view'...?
  • TO: Ichael Matthews (03/05/2016, 20:42) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    We want to see action, not a bag of words, or promises !.
    • Hmm (04/05/2016, 12:14) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      THE GUY JUST GOT HERE, GIVE HIM TIME!
    • robert (05/05/2016, 15:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The guy is trying to tell you what he wants to do. You'd be criticising him if he didn't say what he wanted to do.
  • robert (05/05/2016, 14:12) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I know you people in the Don't know him yet but let me assure you just look at his track record.
    He is a man who got where he is by working hard, making changes where they were needed. He will always listen to his most junior officers just as he listens to his senior officers and regardless of rank would treat everyone with total respect.
    I just hope he gets the support and respect as I know that's what he will give you.

    If you really want to make you're neighbourhoods safe learn to report criminals and crime to the police, use crime stoppers if you need to.
    Please don't expect Commissioner Matthews and his officers to reduce crime on their own, they need your help after all it is where you live.

    Good Luck you have a first class Commissioner .


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