UK police memorialised; Body to be shipped; CoP still mum on autopsy report
The service took place at Davis Funeral Home Chapel in Pasea Estate, Tortola.
The body of Mr France was recovered on October 6, 2023, by Fire and Rescue personnel.
The late Mr France was born on May 15, 1962, in Manchester, England, and died at the age of 61. He moved to the Virgin Islands years ago as the local Police Force continued to import UK nationals to work in the Territory, claiming that the local police officers do not have the skills required to operate.
The service had a large turnout of UK police officers and included Commissioner of Police (CoP) Mark Collins, Governor John J. Rankin CMG, who also made tributes in the booklet, along with former CoP Reynell Frazer.
Additionally, Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr and Acting Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) offered tributes to the deceased in the memorial booklet.
Body to be shipped to Manchester, UK
Next week, the body of the deceased will be shipped back to Manchester, his place of birth, and will be his final resting place.
While Mr France's death certificate listed his death as “downing”, many in the police force, the media, talk show hosts, and the public have continued to speculate as to the cause of death.
Mr Collins said at a press conference, even before an autopsy was conducted, that no foul play was suspected or he did not believe that Mr France would have engaged in a self-inflicted death.
However, Mr Collins, who continues to be embroiled in controversy, has not been forthcoming in releasing the autopsy report in the spirit of good governance and transparency.
The late Detective Sergeant is survived by 4 children and many grandchildren.
There continues to be much unease in the local community over the importation of so many UK police officers, who are being paid by taxpayers to the tune of millions. Many of them are retired police officers and are being paid much more than the local police officers. This has created two police forces.
Some critics have claimed that the UK police officers have a target list of prominent locals to harass and arrest based on gossip and because these locals have been speaking out against injustice, and double standards, but these critics have not presented evidence to substantiate their claims.
The staff and management of Virgin Islands News Online offer condolences to the immediate family and other loved ones of the late Paul Anthony France.
Click Here to view the Flipbook from the Memorial Service for Mr Paul A. France.
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28 Responses to “UK police memorialised; Body to be shipped; CoP still mum on autopsy report”
Vino you dispointed your readers what more evidence you need;
Najah, Ms Stevens, Myron, Dr c O'Neal, wade, Thomas, must I go on?
Us ,all of us,No mather what color we are or where we from,chineese,african,usa,colombia,we are in 2023 and soon 2024
On the other hand, Office France, we thank you for your service to the BVI, and pray that Jehovah will give your family strength.