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‘Voices need to be heard’ in petition against CoP Collins – Hon Rymer

With some 55 damning allegations made against the Commissioner of Police Mr Mark Collins in a petition calling for his removal from office, Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Kye M. Rymer (R5) said the voices in the petition needs to be heard. Photo: HoA/Youtube
A section of the 11-page petition calling for the removal of the Commissioner of Police amidst over 50 allegations him and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). Photo: Team of Reporters
A section of the 11-page petition calling for the removal of the Commissioner of Police amidst over 50 allegations him and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – With some 55 damning allegations made against the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mark Collins in a petition calling for his removal from office, Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Kye M. Rymer (R5) says the voices in the petition needs to be heard.

Hon Rymer was at the time speaking during the Budget Debates of December 19, 2023, at the Sixth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.

According to the Minister, “Mr. Speaker, I don't know what is happening with this petition against the Chief of Police… I haven't heard anything, but Mr. Speaker I think those voices need to be heard.”

55 allegations against CoP in Petition 

On December 12, 2023, Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) received a copy of an 11-page petition addressed to the Governor, where some 30 consignees of the petition not only called for the removal of the Commissioner of Police Mr Collins, but for independent investigations to be launched into allegations of misconduct in public office and abuse of office by the Top Cop.

“As you are aware in the last few weeks, an email dated October 5th, 2021, from the Commissioner of Police Mark Collins has made the rounds publicly in the British Virgin Islands. It is our view that the intent and the instruction of the email were to interfere with the arms of justice, with the deceitfulness, dishonesty, and unlawful behavior that lacks credibility on behalf of the Commissioner of Police,” the petition details.  

The leaked email in question was reportedly by the Commissioner concerned the arrest and charging of an Inspector and Mr Collins was updating Mr St Clair Amory on the case. The CoP said that he had a discussion with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the arrest matter had been discontinued.

HoA needs update on direction - Hon Rymer 

While there have been no word of a formal investigation launched by Governor John J. Rankin CMG, into the matter, Hon Rymer said the HoA “needs to hear what is the direction for the force in terms of the petition.” 

The Minister also used to opportunity to put the spotlight on local crime which he said is something that also needs attention and more needs to be done.

“Mr. Speaker, crime is something that we definitely need to address within our community. We all should lend our voice to that and you know... hope to curb crime in our beautiful Virgin Islands,” Hon Rymer said.

49 Responses to “‘Voices need to be heard’ in petition against CoP Collins – Hon Rymer ”

  • hey (28/12/2023, 16:21) Like (97) Dislike (9) Reply
    Voices need to be heard with regards to fixing these goddamn roads.
  • 4 REAL ? (28/12/2023, 16:39) Like (67) Dislike (9) Reply
    Man woman getting gunned down here
    for years and even a school child and all of you are Quiet like lambs / and all of a
    sudden we jumping on the commissioner just like when he released the video on the brutal cold blooded execution style murder in fish bay of a human being / and nothing was heard from any of you holy men called politicians / what happened to infrastructure
  • fish (28/12/2023, 16:48) Like (26) Dislike (41) Reply
    At least one politician grow some balls
  • Hold on a minute (28/12/2023, 17:18) Like (25) Dislike (13) Reply
    I cannot believe that there are 30 people who are foolish enough to have signed this. That’s because they were hoodwinked into thinking they were signing for a different reason all together.
    • Locally made (28/12/2023, 20:27) Like (4) Dislike (10) Reply
      Stop spreading propaganda. Not everyone is dumb and naive like you are. The allegations are clear and most officers are aware of the double standard and the many Injustices that are being melted out by this man. Some are just afraid of victimization hence the reason why they kept away from signing the petition
      • @locally made (29/12/2023, 16:35) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Since when does any officer be afraid or is afraid of victimization.
  • truth be told (28/12/2023, 17:24) Like (27) Dislike (8) Reply
    When the truth comes out some people will have egg on their faces. But that won’t make the headlines because it’s against this media sites constant bashing of the Commissioner
  • VOICES NEED TO BE HEARD (28/12/2023, 17:24) Like (43) Dislike (2) Reply
    IN A PETITION AGAINST THE VIP GOVERNMENT ALSO
  • ................................. (28/12/2023, 17:49) Like (8) Dislike (24) Reply
    His boss is another white man so don't expect any actions
  • The Facts (28/12/2023, 18:15) Like (41) Dislike (13) Reply
    The petition is fictitious, vindictive, and is nothing more than unsubstantiated and offensive gossip. It contains signatures from at least one officer being investigated for corruption, at least one forged signature, signatures of officers who were deceived about the purpose of the petition, signatures of a few disgruntled officers who have recently failed promotion boards, and several unidentifiable scribbles. 95% of the police are supportive of the Commissioner and his fight against corruption.
    • just cool (28/12/2023, 19:19) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
      People are scared to sign because of the backlashes three strikes is an out how can he be 55 not out
      And then they charge Wade for a charge they clearly should feel ashamed of. If you can’t charge a man for a crime leave him alone don’t charge him for taking a candy from a shop u think he that stupid so he’s a manager and have to beg permission to use the boat make that make sense it’s best who charge him do the job then
    • Professor (28/12/2023, 20:23) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
      It's not hard to tell that you are one of his cronies. Obviously you have benefitted from his unfair and bias decisions so we understand why you are chatting piss. It's people like you why slavery existed so long
    • @ the facts (28/12/2023, 21:52) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
      Ok Mr Collins we see you
    • Local (29/12/2023, 07:20) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      The investigation will be going back to the appointment of a second DCP who failed so badly to pass the process to become DCP. So the force begin to stink from the head. It is sad to see some of you especially local who still live in barrack after 30 plus years of service being a slave to Mark running to carry gossips to him. The Acting Inspector try to pass promotion exam since 2012 failed everyone but behind Mark to promote her. Low down shame.
      • Locally made (29/12/2023, 10:46) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply

        While you're on that, I heard that ****is going around threatening the young officers who signed the petition asking them for duty report. **** even asking them if they forget that they is the one who gave them the job. This is so pathetic to say the least. Those officers are now forced to go to police headquarters to give statement indicating that they were mislead into signing the petition. We are now left to assume that these officers were not fully trained nor have the mental capacity to understand basic english. What a sad day

  • Ho (28/12/2023, 18:21) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    Someone is scared
    The guy to efficient
  • I’ll say this much (28/12/2023, 18:56) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    Coming from a reliable source, It is a witch hunt against the Police Commissioner. They try to do the same thing to Jaspert the last Governor, the now sitting Governor, please watch your back because they are coming after you next and they are all black locals. Whoever want to speak out or sign petition against the Policer Commissioner, make your faces and names public. Let’s see whose faces is going to come out from peeping behind the drawn curtains or peeping from behind a park vehicle in the dark.
  • hmm (28/12/2023, 19:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anybody can make noise..wether they make sense and need to be heard is a different story
  • @@@@@@@ (28/12/2023, 19:03) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    Kye I am surprise at you. Who put you up to this? What’s good with you? MANNN, I’M ABOUT BELIEVING THOSE DAMN ROWBOAT OR CANOE SHOES THAT YOU WEAR IS REALLY MESSING WITH YOUR THOUGHT/THINKING PROCESS.
  • just asking (28/12/2023, 19:15) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply

    What happened to that guy who was head of complaints. The one that had his last two promotions from the court!!! 

  • From the inside (28/12/2023, 19:20) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    One of the Deputies is behind this and it ain’t the lady. That’s because he wants the top spot.
  • Tho (28/12/2023, 19:56) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Potholes minister when are you going to fix the roads? Please, focus on the safety of the people besides thinking about petition against the cop. We elect you and give you a job to fix the roads ,please, focus on that. The roads are bad. You are now wasting your time on melee.The place needs a shelter for the less fortunate like sonel, marvin etc. Lobby for them in the house of assembly and the people would see you spend your time in the house of assembly wisely.
  • Well Suh (28/12/2023, 20:21) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Any idiot can sign a petition. Has anyone brought charges? Didn’t think so. Go sit down.
  • Loosemouth (28/12/2023, 20:44) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The validity of the petition should be first certified. I am concern with all that has been happening within the RVIPF over the years, the Min seemingly believes that this one needs to be heard. I remember the days when the late Hon. Omar Hodge gave a Commissioner Barry Webb h...l in the house. He was eventually shot and left the territory. Webb was rumoured to be one of the best Commisioner to lead the Force and his hasty departure is said to have changed the trajectory of the Organization in terms of getting the job done. The entire Force as far as I am concerned should be investigated. The conduct of some Officers on and off duty should be investigated. I remember the days when one Cruise Ship in our Port, or any other gathering any where would cause a small squad of Officers to provide safety and assurance to tourist or patrons alike. Nowadays it is rare to see a single Officer anywhere and when you do they are locked away in a speeding Police vehicle or in a supermarket half half-dressed with head gear thrown somewhere.
  • live (28/12/2023, 20:57) Like (3) Dislike (11) Reply
    Once you White in this part of the world you will always be right for sure
  • huh (28/12/2023, 21:24) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Forget the COP this place is circling the drain with you clowns in charge
  • Ah boy (28/12/2023, 21:58) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
    Mark Collins time is up, he will leave with a lot of bad memories of what he did to the rvipf in the bvi. There is no pride in what he have not been able to accomplish over that period.
  • 2023 (28/12/2023, 22:12) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    we will have a better territory if more political leaders stoop up in House of Assembly and talk the truth but all they do is pull down each other like a set clowns
  • Rubber Duck (28/12/2023, 23:41) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Last desperate throw of the dice, try to discredit the guy with all the evidence. You would too if you knew you were as guilty as hell and what was coming.
  • Razón (29/12/2023, 06:45) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    The problem is some of us here in these beautiful virgin islands don't like anything that is right and truth all some of us like is corruption and crookedness and some of us heads are deep into it.
  • bang (29/12/2023, 07:03) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ho i agree with you a 100% he is probably on to some of them already and they are already shaking.
  • insider (29/12/2023, 07:13) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    A private criminal complaint will be filed against the Commissioner of Police.
  • BVIslander (29/12/2023, 07:32) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    People stop sleep with your eyes wide shut what is happening is the way they created South Africa we continue to be divided as BVISLANDERS AND AS BLACK PEOPLE I can now see how we became slaves we only want to investigate our own and let the real criminals go he needs to be suspended until a independent investigation is done and not by Engle by a team from the other Caribbean black police forces a police officer was found in the waters off the hospital here in the VIRGIN ISLANDS and you are saying that we people can't know about the findings but cases that are on going involving blacks can be talk about in press conference the Governor needs to gone gone NOW along with Collins
  • witch (29/12/2023, 08:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hunt....ain't gonna work
  • Curious minds (29/12/2023, 09:22) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply

    The force is filled with criminals even though A***** gone. He was the mastermind for all of them and some of them still in there. The RVIPF has been stink from the head for years and some of those same officers were around and still in the force seeing the corruption among some of their cronies but they shadow them. The BVI nor the force dont need a petition to remove Collins. He is not the problem for the force. The problems are bigger than him. Jacque vanterpool ain’t the problem either. She needs to get out now for she herself is not love in there. You will hear some saying she is trying but she don’t get no support. I believe they need to really bring in UK full coverage in that force. But we will wait and see what the new governor brings.

  • @4 Real? (29/12/2023, 10:50) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cause they don't care until it hit close to home MANY of them can only march and protest against the UK while we continue to suffer under the criminals that seem to run things.
    • @@4 Real (29/12/2023, 14:24) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Let them keep throwing daggers at the UK. They know how to be big and bold and calling down the UK But when it comes time to get out and speak out about the criminals and naming the criminals/murders that is walking among us 24/7 you hear crickets. As a citizen, I would welcome a UK take over. Sending out a SOS to the UK.
  • Keep it up BVI (29/12/2023, 10:56) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    The UK is coming very soon for y’all behinds and I sure don’t have a problem with it. THE ONLY WAY I AM GOING TO BELIEVE THE BS ABOUT THE POLICE COMMISSIONER IS WHEN EVERYONE THAT HAVE AN AXE TO GRIND COME OUT PUBLICLY AND SPEAK. OTHER THAN THAT, I DONT WANT TO HEAR THE BS. IN THIS PLACE IF PEOPLE FEEL SOME TYPE OF WAY OR THEY FEEL THREATENED, THEY WILL DO ANYTHING TO BRING YOU DOWN. THIS BEAUTIFUL BVI THAT YOU CALL IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS PLACE AND I AM NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT THE CRIME AND DRUGS.
  • PT09 (29/12/2023, 11:36) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Voices need to be heard aganist Kye M. Rymer.
  • What’s The Problem (29/12/2023, 11:52) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    So because he is rooting out corruption and promoting local people he is wrong??
    • @Wha!s The Problem (29/12/2023, 13:20) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      How are you going to root out Corruption when this place is steeped in corruption by the locals? Promoting local people. The only ones that get promoted around here is friends, family and cronies.
  • So okay (29/12/2023, 14:13) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is nothing wrong with having a BLACK POLICE COMMISSIONER HOWEVER NOT A BLACK. Everyone here is related to each other and they will not do anything if a family member or friends breaks the law. Murders is not getting solved because everyone is covering for each other. THEY JUST WANT A LOCAL POLICE COMMISSIONER THAT IS GOING TO ALLOW THEM TO GET AWAY WITH THE BS. I call it the want to be wrong and strong at the same time CLUB.
  • @ so okay (29/12/2023, 18:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    You are on point!
  • Man please (29/12/2023, 19:36) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Your focus should be on fixing the blasted roads, why all of a sudden you are trying to help bring the Police Commissioner down. I am not going to speak out nor will I sign any petition against the Police Commissioner or any of the officers from the UK.I feel more safer with the UK officers than my own. Honestly, if I am walking down a dark alley and I see a local police I’m taking off.
  • Bush Professor (30/12/2023, 11:12) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    If the rule of law says what it means and means what it says, no one is above the law. Is King Charles III above the law? Does the rule of only apply to people of African descent? Didn’t the Magna Carta under King John ( 1215] reduce the power of the Monarchy? Did not the Glorious Revolution of 1688 didn’t do the same thing ? So why is CoP above the law? Will Rankin pardon him on these allegations too?

    Let’s assume that if either former Black local CoP Reynell Fraser or Vernon Malone had scores of officers signed a letter of concern about scores of concerns, would Rankin just would File 13 it ( trash can) the complaint???I don’t think so. Conduct the investigation and let the chips fall where they may. Is Rankin trying to run out the clock, solving the problem by procrastination, using a Napoleonic move, dumping the problem in Pruce’s lap as controversial former Guv Gus Jaspert did to him with the CoI? Looking back that COI only investigated functions under the purview of local leaders. Anything under the Guv, the king, eas exempted, ie, RVIPF , etc. The rule of law means nothing if it only applies to one race of people.
  • Ne Timeas (30/12/2023, 14:25) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    At least one legislator understands the role of the HoA and his responsibility to his constituents and to the territory (country). Representation is much more than voting ye or nay on bills brought to the floor. Others probably understand the role of the HoA but lacks the courage to speak out, speak up. They are empty suits who wants the status and power but don’t want to do work. Regurgitating nonsense fed is not speaking up, speaking out. Debates on the floor is not about whom can get the loudest, who can be the most loquacious, or chatting gibberish and nonsense; the debate must have depth, breath, form, substance, relevancy,etc. We tired about hearing Madame speaker, Madame speaker, talk to us the people. Madame speaker, Madame speaker repeatedly is annoying and turn off. Does the speaker have a vote on bills on the floor? Legislators sure behave like. Just get on with tte people business. The speaker is just the House traffic cop. The other 11 of you need some heart, courage, etc.
  • Native Tongue (01/01/2024, 08:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Commissioner of Police has some concerns to answer to. The Police Force and some its officers have some concerns to answer to. The Governor has some concerns to answer to. The Deputy Governor has some concerns to answer to. All heads of Departments have concerns to answer to. All Permanent Secretaries have concerns to answer to. Politicians have some concerns to answer to. ALL PERSONS LIVING IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HAVE CONCERNS TO ANSWER TO. WHO amongst us/them has the gumption and internal fortitude to speak the whole dam truth and nothing but the Truth?STOP FOOLING AROUNG FOR THE STATUS QUO..... GOD WILL COME BACK TO JUDGE THE LIVING..............AND THE DEAD. SEIZE THE TIME.


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