VI Gov't looking to give additional budgetary support to RVIPF- Premier
This announcement was made during the Seventh Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA), held on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
The Premier stated that the RVIPF is fully committed to protecting all communities within the territories it operates. He emphasised the need for data-driven strategic plans and adaptable community policing to address emerging threats as crime trends evolve. "The need for a more agile, better-trained, and fully staffed police service has never been greater," he noted.
Increasing capacity
Premier Wheatley highlighted that the leadership of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has identified critical areas for action and is actively working to implement them. He indicated that a cohort of trained auxiliary officers is being transitioned into full police constables. These officers have successfully completed core police training and will be deployed in frontline community policing roles, particularly in high-crime and vulnerable areas, such as the second district, where visibility and engagement are essential.
"This allows us to build capacity within our police constables, demonstrating that they are consistently present on the ground throughout our streets," he added. The changing landscape of policing now requires officers to respond to not only traditional crimes but also challenges such as cyber-enabled fraud, organised armed robberies, mental health incidents, and threats to national security. Therefore, a larger and more flexible specialised workforce is necessary to keep pace with these threats and ensure the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is optimally positioned to solve and protect the territory.
Additional budgetary support
The Premier also mentioned that the Ministry of Finance is currently in active discussions with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to explore options for additional budgetary support. This funding would cover the costs of personnel, equipment, vehicles, and advanced training in intelligence investigation and technology-assisted policing. The implementation of modern technologies and equipment will empower the force in its mission to address crime comprehensively.
He expressed concern over the rise in burglaries and robberies, stating that it requires swift and aggressive action from all stakeholders to prevent crime in society. “The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is ensuring that robbery hotspots are consistently monitored by dedicated patrol teams during high-risk hours from Thursday to Sunday. These teams include both uniformed officers and plainclothes officers to enhance deterrence and response,” he stated.
Public monitoring
Additionally, CCTV footage from businesses and public spaces is continuously analysed to detect recurring patterns, suspicious behaviour, and potential internal facilitators who may have aided offenders. The Premier also mentioned that territorial policing has been assessing late-night businesses to identify vulnerabilities and provide tailored crime prevention guidance. Patrols specifically targeting rental vehicles and heavily tinted cars—linked to several recent robberies—have been expanded to increase police visibility and disrupt potential offenders' movements.
“The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been promoting target hardening among residents and the business sector. This includes the use of reinforced doors and locks, as well as the installation of CCTV, motion sensor lighting, and alarm systems,” he emphasised.
In conclusion, he noted that community officers are working directly with stakeholders to offer crime prevention audits and personal safety assessments.
While the United Kingdom-appointed Governor oversees the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the VI government is responsible for financing it.
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13 Responses to “VI Gov't looking to give additional budgetary support to RVIPF- Premier”
I am not against the RVIPF getting more money for their useful efforts against criminals activities, but why is there not at least one (1) "white collar criminal in prison in the Balsom Ghut prison? Any why are certain persons that have, and are holding on to certain position highly suspicious activities not considered criminal actions?
And why only crime fighters (RVIPF) favored at this hard time, financially speaking, elegible of course, in your eyes, should be given more money. The governor is their boss, you are not.
In addition, the $2.50 been recommended by then, deputy Premier, (in whose corner?) Hon. Lorna Smith, now junior minister, that would have hike minimum wage workers raise to $8.50 from $6.00 after more than eight years since October 1st 2016, why was it halfed, in my opinion to please business owners, and other employers?
How then can more of our meager cash be rightly justify by only celecting the B.V.I RVIPF, and those you chose? Isn't crimes only seen as those in your eyes, but those in others eyes ignoredas if not?
Lastly, Isn't the garbagegy, daily sewage-water-running, direlict vehicle here, and there, some openly seing, others partly hidden among bushes in your district, and other districts of the B.V.I,
Premier, are these not political crimes that needs urgently addressing now? You and your intire cabinet team are mainly responsible to God, our Creator, and us. Prioritized our priorities first, Premier, first.
keep ignoring the youths, keep influencing them at festival/parties/, keep ignoring the sex offender list. DIG yall heads in the sand when a student almost (probably did) brought a gun to school