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Press Release From Independent Source

Mark Collins takes up Police Commissioner post

Senior Magistrate Tamia N. Richards administers the oath of office to Commissioner of Police Mark Collins, left, on April 19, 2021. Photo: GIS.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Mr Mark Collins QPM formally took up the post of Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) on April 19, 2021, following a brief swearing-in ceremony at Government House.

The Commissioner brings to the post more than 30 years of law enforcement experience including leadership posts such as Detective Superintendent in charge of the Wales Extremism and Counter-Terrorism Unit; Borough Commander (Chief Superintendent) for Waltham Forest with the London Metropolitan Police Service; and Chief Constable of the Dyfed-Powys Police.

Governor John Rankin CMG said that Mr Collins’ experience will be a benefit to the overall security and safety of the Territory.

“I am delighted to welcome Mark Collins as the new Commissioner of Police. Mr Collins brings a wealth of senior-level policing experience and expertise into the role. I am sure he will be a dedicated public servant to the people of BVI. I look forward to working with Mr Collins, alongside the committed officers of the RVIPF, in promoting the security of the British Virgin Islands.”

The Governor added his appreciation for Mr Michael Matthews and his accomplishments while serving as Commissioner of Police.

“I would take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Commissioner, Mike Matthews, for all he has achieved during his term in office and for his signal service to the British Virgin Islands. I offer him every best wish for the future,” Governor Rankin said.

The new Commissioner of Police thanked the Governor and the members of the force, and the BVI community for their welcome thus far. He said he was especially grateful to Mr Matthews, whose work forms a foundation on which to build during his service in the Territory.

“I am very much looking forward to building on the work of my predecessor Mr Mick Matthews. My main priority going forward will be the security of the islands and the continuing battle against serious and organised crime, which seeks to make the islands an unwelcoming environment for groups wishing to engage in any of the aforementioned criminal activities,” Mr Collins said.

The Oath of Office was administered by Senior Magistrate Tamia N. Richards and witnessed by Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), Deputy Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Deputy Governor Mr David D. Archer Jr, Superintendent of Police St Claire Amory, Attorney General Dawn J. Smith, and other public officers and members of the RVIPF.

7 Responses to “Mark Collins takes up Police Commissioner post”

  • BVI LUV (19/04/2021, 21:49) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    WELL MY FRIEND YOU JUST STEPPED INTO THE LIONS DEN / THERE ARE SOME CANARIES WHO ARE ONLY TAUGHT TO SING THE UK AND RACISM AND ISLAND PEOPLE SONG AND THAT WILL SOON BE PASSED IN THE HOUSE FOR OUR NATINOAL ANTHEM / WHILE THE PERPETRATORS OF ROBBERY DRUG TRAFFICKING AND GANGLAND STYLE KILLINGS ARE JUST A LIITE PART OF NATURE'S LITTLE SECRETS
  • Black Lives Matter (20/04/2021, 02:32) Like (3) Dislike (12) Reply
    We need a black local to hell with these English men
    • not local (20/04/2021, 15:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      It amazes me and this is nothing against the BVI and other Islands

      But, they bring in overseas persons for a few reasons

      one of which is to pass on my knowledge and expertise to the senior ranks and to identify persons to take senior roles in the service for when they depart

      this doesn't happen .. after about a year and a half persons should be identified
      that includes persons to sergeant
      sergeants to inspector etc.

      at the same time .. provide the training necessary
      have management training
      send persons overseas for scenes of crime courses
      fingerprint experts
      detective training

      what are they doing there?

      any Good Head .. should be able to say

      this is what I accomplished during my 4 or 5 years in the post

      The problem is also .. there is so much hatred when you promote a local and so you can't WIN
  • Rubber Duck (20/04/2021, 03:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Masks mr .....
    • @ rubber duck (20/04/2021, 06:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      On the cop first day he is breaking the laws smh
    • not local (20/04/2021, 15:31) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      It would be best to have someone who will do the job regardless of whether they are black or white or Asian or Portuguese.

      Stop criticizing your own people.

      There are good people on the force .. same as good cashiers in the supermarket.


  • lilis (20/04/2021, 12:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    HAHAHAHAHA HE IS NOT WEARING MASK SHOULD B FINED? LOL HAHAH


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