Mariners given ‘tool’ to report suspicious activity to police
Head of the Marine Branch Inspector Lesroy Simmons says the initiative, which is close to his heart, equips captains, boaters, keen sailors or just those walking on the beach with the tools to anonymously report any suspicious activity.
“We are fortunate to have a number of persons within the marine industry who are passionate about protecting our waters from predators who engage in illegal fishing, illegal smuggling or trafficking, illegal dumping, or any other unlawful use of the Territorial waters or shorelines. By giving no more than a few details, law enforcement is provided with the information needed to respond quickly and apprehend potential suspects,” Simmons noted in a police press release today.
Easy-to-use tool
At the launch, Chief Inspector Louis Buckley showed the ease with which someone can share information.
“On the Operation Island Watch brochure is a QR code. With a smartphone on camera mode, you can scan the QR code. This will immediately take you to the Watch site where you can log any suspicious details. All we need is a line or two. No other information is required or requested,” he said.
Both officers noted their delight at the chance to partner with the Marine Association of the BVI which provided the funding for the initiative.
‘A win-win for all concerned’- John Philip Aspinall
Operations Manager for Virgin Islands Search and Rescue J. Philip Aspinall says he fully endorses the initiative and adds his support.
“I see this being a win-win for all concerned. The BVI is considered the sailing capital of the world, and we must help to protect this destination at all costs. I think I speak for many within the boating community when I say that I am happy to be part of this initiative and any such initiative that promotes safety and security in our waters,” Aspinall noted.
Dinghy safety brochure
The group simultaneously showed a dinghy safety brochure now available for charter companies, captains and sailing visitors which lists safety tips for persons travelling in a dinghy including maintaining a safe speed, wearing a kill cord and a lifejacket and practicing safe loading.
Boaters can collect a free Operation Island Watch and Dinghy Safety Brochure at the Police Marine Base or at the VISAR Office at Road Reef. Persons can also contact Lesroy Simmons directly at 368-9462. To see the full launch, log on to Government’s Facebook Page.
Persons who have witnessed or have any knowledge of any suspicious activity on land or sea can continue to call the anonymous Crime Tips line 800-8477.
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16 Responses to “Mariners given ‘tool’ to report suspicious activity to police”
you'd have to be 'corrupt' (lenient) with an interest in the other areas of policing, simply greedy with no care for your own people, or actually believe its worth putting people in a cage for hurting no one with a plant..... (an idiot)
Given the choice of locals or foreign officers... what local wants the force to be filled with people who don't know the community except through the eyes of a well paid police? Going plain clothes going undercover & dressing raggedy doesn't change their perspective, self perceived status & pay or suddenly make them local in a place where used to ask who you fa.
When we stop forcing police to be oppressors of the locals then we will see locals lining up to enter
How things are, is created by past decisions. Locals are to blame as well especially the pastors who didn't speak up until they saw dollar signs and suddenly remember genesis where god said, ehrm
"I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food."
Heavenly words, it's nearly written three times. It was meant to be repeated and specified clearly.
How can blessings be sinful? "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
None of the pastors want to be persecuted for what is right instead they worked to demonize it.
& thanks to prohibition its associated with crime.
The crowd isn't supposed to determine the sermon. Live & learn.
They're off the chain but at the same time there may be some truth to their frustration.
The marine police don't even have the ability to write a ticket. The enforcement part of the process has to be fixed, or this is just a waste of time.
Publish the damn website! Wha wrong wid ayou?