The Government of the Virgin Islands will be hosting a series of the public meetings to discuss the proposed Act titled Police Act, 2019 from May 31 to June 9.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie said that the Act seeks to repeal the Police Act Cap. 165 and addresses the constitution and administration of the Police Service. Additionally, it deals with appointments, enlistments, service and discharge of members of the Service.

The Premier added that the Act also proposes to rename the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Service.

Premier Fahie said, “The Act also gives the Commissioner of Police the powers to make standing orders, rules of practice and procedure, appointments and promotions, and in general to command, superintend and direct the service.”

The Premier Fahie explained that the Act will cover the constitutional rights of the police service, the administrative makeup of the police service and the powers, duties and privileges of police officers. Additionally, he added, it will speak to the powers of the police officers regarding bail and breaches, and the use and protection of police dogs and handlers.

“The comprehensive proposed Act outlines how police property should be managed; disciplinary actions, pay, allowances and other financial provisions for officers, as well as retirement pensions and gratuities for police officers,” he further added.

The meetings will be hosted by Premier Fahie, Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. David D. Archer Jr. and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mark Collins. The meetings are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, May 31 at 5:00 p.m. at Althea Scatliffe Primary School in Road Town
• Tuesday, June 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke
• Wednesday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m. Public Eye interview on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Facebook page @BVIGovernment
• Thursday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Rock Café on Virgin Gorda
• Sunday, June 6 at 1:00 p.m. at Claudia Creque Educational Centre on Anegada
• Monday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium in Paraquita Bay  
• Tuesday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cow’s Bay
• Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Leonora Delville Primary School in Cappoons Bay

The Virgin Gorda meeting will be broadcast live on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Facebook page @BVIGovernment and on CBN FLOW TV Channel 101. Persons can listen via CBN Radio 90.9 FM.

Copies of the Act can be downloaded from bvi.gov.vg.  Residents are reminded that all COVID-19 protocols will be in effect when attending the meetings and the wearing of masks is mandatory.

Persons interested in making a contribution on the proposed Police Act, 2021 are asked to forward their input via email to premieroffice@gov.vg with the name of the Act in the subject line. Additionally, comments can be hand delivered to the Premier’s Office, 2^nd Floor Cutlass Tower in Road Town.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

Flyer- Public Consultation Schedule