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Retired UK police chief Mark Collins to reportedly head RVIPF

- as UK national & Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews takes his exit early 2021
The new Commissioner of Police in the Virgin Islands is likely to be a retired Chief Constable from the United Kingdom (UK), Mr Mark Collins, well-placed sources have informed Virgin Islands News Online (VINO). Photo: www.dyfed-powys.police.uk
Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Mr Michael B. Matthews, who is scheduled to exit the RVIPF in the first quarter of 2021. Photo: VINO/File
Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Mr Michael B. Matthews, who is scheduled to exit the RVIPF in the first quarter of 2021. Photo: VINO/File
Well-placed sources have informed VINO that no locals or blacks were seriously considered for the post of Commissioner of Police. Photo: VINO/File
Well-placed sources have informed VINO that no locals or blacks were seriously considered for the post of Commissioner of Police. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The new Commissioner of Police in the Virgin Islands is likely to be a retired Chief Constable from the United Kingdom (UK), well-placed sources have informed Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

The man given the nod to replace Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Mr Michael B. Matthews, who is scheduled to exit the RVIPF in the first quarter of 2021, is Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police Mr Mark Collins, QPM, who on December 14, 2020, announced his intention to retire during early Spring 2021.

Interviewed by Police Service Commission

According to our sources, Mr Collins was interviewed by the Police Service Commission and recommended to the Governor, Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert, for hire.

Dyfed-Powys Police Department in a press release to announce Mr Collins’ intended retirement, said he started his policing career as a Special Constable with Sussex Police in 1985 but returned to his home force in 1987 and continued to volunteer on the front line until joining the Metropolitan Police in 1991.

Mr Collins has been Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police for some years.

Achievements

Dyfed-Powys Police said under Mr Collins’ watch, Dyfed-Powys Police has led the way in the development of digital crime investigation and scientific support, with an investment in staff into these departments in recent years.

These specialist units, it said, have both been hailed as leading in their fields, and central to the success of a number of significant investigations.

Mr Collins, who was awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal in the New Year’s Honours List 2020, has also held the national portfolio on policing and mental health, and in more recent years has also led UK policing in understanding and tackling group based child sexual exploitation, according to Dyfed-Powys Police.

No blacks or locals seriously considered for CoP

Meanwhile, our sources had also informed us that no locals or blacks were seriously considered for the post of Commissioner of Police.

The one popular local and female officer that persons felt could have filled the position, Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, did not apply, according to the same sources.

64 Responses to “Retired UK police chief Mark Collins to reportedly head RVIPF”

  • Ugh (18/12/2020, 11:27) Like (9) Dislike (34) Reply
    Well he’s uglier than Matthew and he look less aggressive too I might be wrong but hey lets see what he’s bringing to the table
    • @ugh (18/12/2020, 13:55) Like (14) Dislike (9) Reply
      Oh so you are into looks. Who is better looking he or your Premier. He or Frazer. He or Malone.
    • Hyu (18/12/2020, 18:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I would prefer to keep Matthews and get rid of Jonah tomorrow.
  • Nice (18/12/2020, 11:35) Like (11) Dislike (18) Reply
    Better than putting some island person there. Jackie Vanterpool would’ve been good too
  • WELCOME (18/12/2020, 11:36) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply
    Welcome Sir.
  • Earl (18/12/2020, 11:55) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
    Good luck to him.... he's going to need it !
  • good riddance (18/12/2020, 12:16) Like (12) Dislike (39) Reply

    Good riddance to Maverick Mick, Gus’s Sycophantic Sidekick with no back bone nor competence. Let them both sail off into the sunset together. FINALLY! Rac**t Big**s.

    • Huh? (18/12/2020, 13:11) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
      No competence but they haul in a quarter of a billion dollars worth of Peruvian Marching Powder. OK. SMDH.
      • Untrue (20/12/2020, 08:14) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        Nah, that’s the black officers, nothing to do with the two white supremacists freeloading off us & taking all the credit.

        We see you.

        Clearly a white sycophant or wife of theirs.

        Sooner the two clowns micky mouse n gormless gus leave the better. Racist bigot freeloaders.
    • @ good riddance (18/12/2020, 13:58) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      And they are both replaced by two white males. When you get your own local. Very sure not in your lifetime then say good riddance.
  • ccc (18/12/2020, 12:19) Like (7) Dislike (24) Reply
    Another white man
  • can’t wait (18/12/2020, 12:19) Like (14) Dislike (48) Reply

    Can’t wait for worst commissioner & worst governor ever to leave!

    GET OFF OUR NECKS AND JUST LEAVE ALREADY!!!!!

    We’re sick to death of employing rac**ts.

    • Demographics of Wales (18/12/2020, 15:11) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      (Excluding sheep) 96% white. O.01% Caribbean. Probably the first time he's seen a BVIslander!
    • Poor millionaire (18/12/2020, 19:49) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ can't wait. I agree with you . However, this is the time we need to come together and demand a change to have a local person as Police Commissioner whether he/ she is from Tortola or another caribbean island we are still the same ( BLACK PEOPLE). Mr R. Fraser, and other former police commissioners that are retired should be considered.There are some IDIOTS that blog about island people but they don't have the balls or gutts to stand firm to the slave masters a bunch of cowards they only have mouth when it comes to destroying their own people. Whether they are locals or from other caribbean islands. WAKE UP BLACK PEOPLE.
  • Good. Riddance (18/12/2020, 12:51) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Welcome I hope your back is broard to deal with these set of police who only want promotion and drive around with the AC on and undermining each other may the Lord have mercy on you
  • Dictator (18/12/2020, 12:59) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    watch your sheep
  • Not much use (18/12/2020, 13:03) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    With his back ground we have a chance that serious crime will be at the forefront.
  • Local (18/12/2020, 13:08) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Grand Ma always say , don't cry for those who are going but cry for who coming.
  • Bill (18/12/2020, 13:14) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    Why is a retired person being sent here?
    Answer: for an all expense paid vacation while at the same time keeping an eye on the natives.
    Again we wonder if there weren't colored senior officers capable of serving in this position. And of course the same for the position of governor.
  • E. Leonard (18/12/2020, 13:58) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    Though retired chief constable Mark Collins may be eminently qualified for the job, his selection is not shockingly surprising. This decision was adroitly telegraphed a long time ago and came into sharp focus in recent months. The three last CoP would be filled by UK nationals. Are there a dearth of qualified or uninterested/disinterested locals or Blacks? If the reporting is correct and no highly qualified local(s) applied or didn’t make the cut, though it is highly disappointing, the territory cannot strongly argue about the outcome. It (Territory) should be alarmed that no local applied, given the increasing drive among many for independence.

    Moreover, the UK is the Sovereign country with VI being a client territory. The UK shares governing with the VI. The UK (Governor) is responsible for a)external affairs, b)deference (Governor Commander-in-Chief?), c)internal security including RVIPF, d)Court admin and e)Civil Service; local government, everything else, including finance. It seems like a convoluted, disjointed process. For example, VI taxpayers mostly fund the RVIPF yet administrative and operational control fall under the Governor. At the next constitutional review, government needs to strongly advocate for more autonomy, including RVIPF, civil service, Governor reduced reserve power, change in process (assenting) in how bills become law, Governor membership in Cabinet, Premier key spokesperson for territory on local issues, adding Senate in addition to HOA(bicameral), realigning of electoral districts, increasing number of ministerial positions, referendum on independence.........etc.

    Further, as Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore first Premier/Prime Minister and still the guiding spirit, summoned and inspired his countrymen/women to strive for the stars despite lack of resources by employing talent, intelligence, discipline and ingenuity so too must VI leaders summon their compatriots to plan and prepare for self-determination, including independence, as provided for in UN charter for non-self-governing territories. It must get to a position that there are always a cadre of quailed local personnel for every position in the VI.
    • Eagle and Buffalo (18/12/2020, 22:06) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      @E.Leonard, good job weaving the CoP position with power sharing with UK, constitutional review, national planning and preparation, succession planning, national leadership, organizational dysfunction..........etc. Hope the people and government are paying attention to what is occurring in broad daylight. The UK is exploiting the friction and hating among local. It has established a pipeline for UK people to grab positions throughout the OTs. The VI needs to stop the self-hating, While the VI quibble, the UK grabs opportunity.

      [Lets lead like eagles, not careen off the cliff like buffaloes]
    • Diaspora 3D/360 (19/12/2020, 10:15) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is a deep. On the surface, it may appear as just another UK national coming in as l CoP. This was expected. However, you took a deep dive, a nuance dive into the issue on ,perhaps, the BVI lack of progress. The VI has made some progress but the progress may be superficial. The VI North Star should be its national master plan that should guide it.

      It is not enough to want, to dream and to hope for something. Goals and objectives require proactive planning and planning execution to be realized. Reactions, reactive planning, are temporary and costly. Poor planning piss poor performance. The BVI is resource poor with human capital being its most important resource. Nevertheless, it has not effectively and targetedly invested in and on it. At this stage, the BVI should have had an embarrassment of riches/qualified people to fill all positions. Its challenge should be who is best qualified and the best fit for the job, not scrambling to find someone that meets the minimum qualifications.

      The BVI is disappointingly lagging, not much ground gained and must do better or remain dependent on others. You mention Lee Kuan Lee. He was Singapore transformational leader, leading it from Third World to First World status in an impressive short time. Though Singapore was small and resource poor, he did through planning and education. The BVI is poor boasting, thumping its chest on its standard of living , quality of life and per capita income but it needs to take a sober look at urgently strengthening its structural weaknesses if it wants to join the league of independent nations. It needs to some work wading into this deep ocean. It must be able to feed, protect, secure, govern......etc itself before diving in.
    • Political Observer (PO) (20/12/2020, 06:33) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      @E. Leonard, real talk. The colonialists abandoned the BVI as a poor and impoverished colony that only value was as a bird sanctuary. Left to fend for itself, the BVI and its people through the ingenuity of their Slave ancestors had no choice but to work hard using what few opportunities were available to eek out a living. They worked in subsistence farming and agriculture, fishing, coal burning.........etc. The transition from subsistence farming and agriculture to services, ie, tourism and financial services in the 60’s snd 80’s improved the standard of living and quality of life and per capita income. In time, it progressed from a bird sanctuary colony to semi-self-governing, attaining a new constitution in 1967 with ministerial status. As its status as a top small tourism destination and as a premier offshore financial centre continue to blossom, it caught the attention of the UK.

      Sensing opportunity, the UK started to take note and started the gentrification process. The process started with the attempted capturing of Wickhams Cay and 3/4 of Anegada for a 199 years through a one-sided, lose-lose deal for the BVI and its people in a lease to UK company Kenneth Bates-Hill. The agitation against the deal by Noel Lloyd and Positive Action Movement save and kept Wickhams Cay and Anegada in Virgin Islanders hands. Now, capitalizing on opportunity, the UK through a networking pipeline is occupying positions in BVI and other OTs, rotating from OT to another.

      The pipeline works because the BVI inadequately invested in and trained its people to take up any position in the territory. As Diaspora 3D/360 noted, the BVI should have had an abundance of riches in regards to a cadre of highly qualified personnel. Nonetheless, thus far, this has not happen. The BVI needs to expedite the process to make things happen. Never again should it be wondering what happen. Plan,plan, plan to give the most important resource——people—-the opportunity to take up positions. Reroute that pipeline elsewhere.
  • got to got (18/12/2020, 13:59) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    The key word here is RETIRED . Someone else such as Jackie Vanterpool should have gotten this position. Why all this training and schooling for Jackie? Guess they will wait for when she is ready to retire and then give her the position which will be so wrong.
  • Joshau (18/12/2020, 14:13) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    Let's look at it closely. Black on black. Toland hate their own people. Toland hate their color. You can't love black and yet treat your own color the way you do. So if you don't like black why not send white. If then you hate white you must be the most hateful people in the world.
  • family (18/12/2020, 14:34) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    He looks like David Foot cousin
  • Sue (18/12/2020, 14:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vanterpool all the way
    • Previous article (18/12/2020, 18:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, did not apply, according to the same sources.
  • lol (18/12/2020, 14:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hold him in confusion james
  • From the valleys (18/12/2020, 15:08) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Chief Constable Collins (nice promotion!) introduced the rural policing teams praised by the farming unions. Our sheep are safe, farmers are protected. Pity agriculture isnt BVI's third pillar.......
  • oh boy (18/12/2020, 15:38) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    CAN ANY ONE OF YOU ALL PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME WHY ON GOD'S GOOD EARTH WHY YOU ALL HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT THIS LADY COULD BE THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE OF THE RVIPF
    • A VOTER IN #6 (19/12/2020, 06:53) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I DONT WHATS ALL THE FUSS JACKY DIDN'T EVEN APPLY FOR THE JOB,IF SHE HAD WANT THE JOB SHE WOULD APPLY FOR IT,SO STOP ALL THE HYPOCRITE COMENTS.SHE WASN'T INTERESTED.
  • Armory applied (18/12/2020, 16:17) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    We support Jacky all the way down with white nationalist and white supremacy this must end
    • Queen BVI (19/12/2020, 08:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      When we get the right Globe to Love great and small our self then we would be ready for this Spiritual Battle of Survivals. We are Blind very Blind to our own by the time we come to an agreement our very own will have departed from us leaving us with nothing to grip. I agreed with Amorys replied let's give mrs. J. Vanterpool a challenge for the very hard work and service and still is not quitting no matter what is said and done . Be ready mrs.V I support you all the way,
    • Read (20/12/2020, 00:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The one popular local and female officer that persons felt could have filled the position, Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, did not apply, according to the same sources.
  • bvi (18/12/2020, 16:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    If He is retired , where is he going? coming here to do what?
    • You say that as though NO retired person has ever come back to the public service here (18/12/2020, 18:33) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Hypocrisy, much? Or is it not about the principle but more about appearances and who people are rather than the fact that they are retired or not?
  • Succession (18/12/2020, 16:57) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    There needs to be a succession planning in the force where qualified officers are selected and trained in police administration and other policing strategies and sent to also get the requisite qualifications, at the minimum a Bachelors degree and a period of overseas internship to build capacity and network to be competitive in the selection process.
    Local officers are going to be at a disadvantage but if they have the basic qualifications and a little experience then they should be given the chance even if they are Down Islanders because most of the more experience officers in the force are Belongers.
  • look he face (18/12/2020, 17:24) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    He soft like butter could see rigth through thst ...
  • Hmmmm (18/12/2020, 17:41) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    If you all only know those in power in the Rvipf was and still is fighting our local girl Jackie, if all you only know.
    • #Hmmmm (18/12/2020, 18:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I do know and it is incompetence they are fighting
    • um (18/12/2020, 22:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yet the current one in charge singled her out to get training in the UK rather than the current deputies who if they were ever going to be boss would be best to get management training in....
      If our current deputies don't have the omph to reach higher and aren't training themselves to take the position why are we all bitching??
    • Queen BVI (19/12/2020, 09:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Those that have the intention to fight read out their files you will find the rotten hole that they covered up . While our lady is doing her part making sure being healthy is Gods way .prevention is better than cure, lol the unsolved mysteries is a distraction someone have to exposed that. Not me you who have devoted yourself to the protocol . Be truthful to the test.
  • Remember (18/12/2020, 19:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    We do the same here, we bring the retired workers back to work for more money in government doing lesss.
  • smh (18/12/2020, 20:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ???retired
  • Manabouttown (18/12/2020, 21:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We the people of the Virgin Islands welcome you to your prestigious office as Commissioner of Police.
    Howere we have a lot of matter to be resloved or we will meet in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Justice.
    I am suggesting to you to follow the law, i will be monitoring you. Should you request any assistance pertaining to the law. Please to do hesitate to contact me. Please request my telephone number from the Governor or the COP.
    I am affording you an opportunity before we go anywhere. We shall have a glass of red wine together. I will warnd you that i have MI 6 training.
  • Jackie (18/12/2020, 23:47) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Yes use the UK qualified people and not them corrupt police officer. Bunch of Island men in out dam police force set of vampires
  • dude (18/12/2020, 23:50) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why did he have to be retired though. We could use an ambitious up & coming officer, no?
  • Well (19/12/2020, 05:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ nice you all ways talking about island people u need to take a grip u don't see d content don't belong to tola it clearly belong to ( UK) so all of us in same brocket cous
  • K (19/12/2020, 05:35) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    U all think u all can control the q***n a how u all want to control you all own u all make a sad mistake it is time u all stay with d flow
  • rewrsdffds (19/12/2020, 05:40) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    So, Why it always has to be a white UK cop,. So, there is no black cop in the UK force active or retired that's qualified,,, at least since we are at this cross road of Mistust and racial bickering,,,, the best they could have done was been more sensitive cut us a compromise and find a qualified black cop to send us,,,,,,,Yep
  • Xxx (19/12/2020, 08:15) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    This decision is sickened I cried that in 2020 we still need a white man to lead us
  • At last (19/12/2020, 09:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    GOOD HE MIGHT SOLVE THE SCOOTER PROBLEMS
  • Chairman P (19/12/2020, 09:19) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Let's face facts. The UK with all its resources will always have more qualified persons to chose from. So once they enter the application process will have two advantages. Suitably qualified and white.

    Then we must understand that those white Commissioners did not chose themselves. They were recommended by a locally appointed Police Service Commission. I do not understand people making noise for Superintendent Jackie Vanterpool when she herself decided not to apply for the position. She must know something about herself that we do not know. Then we have a Deputy Commissioner now for the past 9 years. He must be Deputy for life, send him home and make room for someone else. A man who is Deputy for 9 years and cannot make the top is useless.

    The Commissioner do not have to be a police. He just have to be a good leader with strategic vision who understand the issues facing the Community and the police force put policies in place to deal with them and is able to get the best out of his men.
  • Dancing in the sunshine (19/12/2020, 17:13) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is an insult to the people of the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. In these modern times we are getting a Police Commissioner from Britain to come and give orders to the local population. We have witnessed what happened to George Floyd, the African American who was killed by the white police and here we are employing a white police officer to come here to be our commissioner. I am very confident that there are many Caribbean police officers who are capable to fill the post. When will it end.

    I can clearly see what the Premier is talking about. From a bird sanctuary to a country that can support itself and no assistance from Britain, why should we continue to be subjected to British authoritarian rule. Those who are criticizing the Premier for fighting for his people should bury their heads in shame. This is what we should be fighting against. I cannot wait for the Union Jack to be lowered from over our heads in the territory and hand it to the Governor to take to Britain and we become a free nation. Long Lives the Virgin Islands
  • pat (19/12/2020, 18:58) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Blacks lives still do not matter
  • Do Not Worry (19/12/2020, 23:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The day is coming! Freedom is nearing. This is what the expats fear the most, but not they, nor their crown, have control over our Destiny. That’s Jesus’s job and Always has been!!!
  • Young (20/12/2020, 20:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Milk still in the man face should have a lot to offer the V.I. think this may be a good move because a man/woman is not honored in their own home town. They may be qualified but it is gospel.
  • down2earth (21/12/2020, 21:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the retirement receptacle located? It should be turned up-side-down!
  • Grateful for Interview (20/01/2021, 13:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Commissioner Collins, you will be leading a great police force in a great Territory. I'm a Canadian that was interviewed for the post and I was thoroughly impressed how much the Police Commission cares for its for its community and its police force.


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