M. Roy Stoutt was ‘frustrated’ out of RVIPF?- Radio caller thinks so
The caller was at the time criticising the notion that new Police Commissioner Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews wants more locals in the RVIPF.
“When Mr Malone was the chief, which Tolian did he train to take up his post? None. The man from West End…Mr Frazer, which Tolian he trained to take up his post? None,” the caller told Mr Wheatley.
M. Roy Stoutt should have been appointed CoP
According to the man, the now retired Superintendent of Police, M. Roy Stoutt, should have been given the post of Police Commissioner as he was qualified for it.
“…they put a Dominican as Deputy when we had Roy Stoutt right there with all them years of experience and paper work. But we frustrate Roy to leave and you telling me about the Chief of Police want Tolians to work again. That’s a big lie sir, because they not going to hire Tolians,” said the caller, who was of the opinion that locals are not wanted in the RVIPF because they can’t be controlled as the expat police officers.
Back in early 2013, Virgin Islands News Online had first and accurately reported that Mr Stoutt was to be appointed acting Deputy Commissioner for the three months that Mr Alwyn James was to be out of the territory on study leave.
After publishing our accurate story, the then Police Commissioner David Morris threatened this news site with a lawsuit. The RVIPF, however, later confirmed the acting appointment.
It was the highest appointment for Mr Stoutt prior to his eventual retirement.
Locals in the Police Force allege discrimination
Over the past 10 years, locals in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have reported that they feel oppressed and discriminated against. In the past 6 years, some 50 percent of local officers have been forced out of the Police Force through retirement and other disciplinary issues.
Many of those who have retired have shared their experiences of lack of promotion and upward mobility in the Police Force, the target for discrimination via hash disciplinary charges and double standards in treatment and resources.
It is alleged that there is no active outreach to recruit locals, however, non-nationals coming to the Virgin Islands in the past year or two have an easier time joining the RVIPF.
‘We need back’ Super Cop
Meanwhile, the same caller advocated for Glen ‘Super Cop’ Callwood’s return to the RVIPF.
“…we need back Callwood on the road and we need to pay him for the time he been off,” the man said.
Mr Wheatley then noted that Commissioner Mathews has been encouraging members of the public to come in and have a talk with him on policing and other matters concerning the community and urged the caller to visit Mr Matthews.
“So I would like to suggest to you that you go in and see him and express your thoughts on the different policing aspects. Don’t be shy, just go in and see him and let him know how you feel about all the matters, including the Robocop (Super Cop).”
Meanwhile, the caller continued to emphasise on the return of Mr Callwood to the RVIPF, stating that he is missed on the roads.
“If I’m coming from the west and I meet to Prospect Reef roundabout, my mind automatically tells me Benjie put on your seatbelt. If I’m coming from the East and I meet Port Purcell roundabout, my mind does tells me put on your seatbelt Benjie, because you will meet Callwood around the turn. I don’t know if I don't put it on if I will meet him but my mind does stick in ‘put on your seatbelt.’ I really miss him on the road these days, because he had Road Town under control,” the caller shared.
Callwood’s issue
There have been many calls before by members of the public for the return to the RVIPF of Mr Callwood, who was before the Magistrate’s court on a charge of indecent assault and was found guilty of the offense on January 29, 2014.
The Virtual Complainant (VC) was a Maintenance Supervisor with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
However, following the court procedures, then Commissioner of Police David Morris instituted disciplinary measures against Callwood.
This had gained much attention on the talk show ‘Speak your Mind’ which was then hosted by Mr Julio ‘Sam’ Henry back in February 2014 where many callers pleaded for the reinstating of Callwood as they believed the offence was of such a nature that did not warrant his being deprived of performing the duties of a traffic officer.
Responding to calls made by residents for the reinstating of ‘Super Cop’, Mr Henry had indicated he was going to draft a petition to be signed by residents and forwarded to then CoP Morris. According to reports, the petition was poorly responded to by residents and Mr Callwood has remained off the job since then.
28 Responses to “M. Roy Stoutt was ‘frustrated’ out of RVIPF?- Radio caller thinks so”
The COP need to get rid of some of those polarizing officers that he have as his immediate subordinates in order to make some significant progress with the organization. The force is in a state of confusion with lots of inexperience officers in position that they cannot manage. Its quite evident in the manner of how important investigations are been handled. Most of them do not have any kind of relationship with members of the public from whom they can get help. All the D******** is concern about is getting rid of hard working and productive officers by means of forced retirement, most of whom can still make a significant difference.