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UPDATE: Body pulled from car in RT is a UK Police Detective

Police have released a photo of UK Police Detective Paul France. Photo: RVIPF
The lifeless body pulled from a car in Road Town, Tortola the capital city this morning Saturday, October 7, 2023, has been identified as a UK Police Detective Paul France. Photo: Team of Reporters
The lifeless body pulled from a car in Road Town, Tortola the capital city this morning Saturday, October 7, 2023, has been identified as a UK Police Detective Paul France. Photo: Team of Reporters
At around 9:20 am on October 7, 2023, the body of a Caucasian male was pulled from a vehicle that went into the water adjacent to Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town, Tortola. Photo: Team of Reporters
At around 9:20 am on October 7, 2023, the body of a Caucasian male was pulled from a vehicle that went into the water adjacent to Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town, Tortola. Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The body pulled from a car in Road Town, Tortola, the capital city, this morning Saturday, October 7, 2023, has been identified as a UK Police Detective.

Multiple sources in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and at Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital have confirmed the body to be that of UK Police Officer Paul France, who has been in the Virgin Islands for about three and a half years.  

They also confirmed that the next of kin has been notified. The Caucasian UK police officer reportedly worked undercover in the Surveillance Division dealing with intelligence, covert operations, border security and internal politics.

The cause of the accident is still being investigated.

Over the past five years, taxpayers have had to pay millions and millions for over thirty-plus UK police officers assigned to the RVIPF, where it is said they are offering training and expertise that the local officers do not have.

The UK Officers and Scandals  

The UK Officers have been the subject of scandals from human trafficking, police harassment, partying on the cays using government vessels, racism, and having a witch-hunt target list.

The RVIPF  is alleged to be divided along racial lines with the UK police officers never reporting to any local officers.  UK officers are also paid more than most if not all of the local senior officers, and many local officers are overlooked for promotion.

The crime rate in the Territory under the UK Police Officers has not gone down, however, there have been some high-profile drug busts.   

In the UK-sponsored one-man Commission of Inquiry report, all the issues within the police force were swept under the rug while the locals especially the political class were the target of a one-sided report where they were labeled as 'corrupt' and faced breach of trust arrest and charges.  

The Police Public Relations Unit has since confirmed the death, with Commissioner Mark Collins offering condolences to the family of the deceased. 

See previous story published this morning, October 7, 2023

Body pulled from submerged vehicle adjacent to Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital 

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - At around 9:20 am this morning, October 7, 2023, a Caucasian male body was pulled from a vehicle that drove into the waters adjacent to The Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town, Tortola.

Staff attached to the local Fire and rescue service pulled the body from the car which was discovered submerged underwater.

The vehicle was reportedly discovered by a local fisherman who was out fishing this morning. 

This story is currently developing and our News Centre will bring more details as it becomes available.

84 Responses to “UPDATE: Body pulled from car in RT is a UK Police Detective”

  • Really (07/10/2023, 10:13) Like (86) Dislike (14) Reply
    How could that vehicle get all the way there. ? What cliff is there to go over adjacent the Hospital? Hmmm sounds unreal to me.
    • @Really (07/10/2023, 10:54) Like (19) Dislike (20) Reply
      Well there’s been a spike in heart attacks. So it’s definitely possible
    • Im wondering the same (07/10/2023, 11:25) Like (57) Dislike (0) Reply
      First condolence to the deceased family. In this life, today you can be here, and today you can be gone.

      Now, I cant put together which hill is being refenced here that a car could run over and end up in the ocean only to be found by a fisherman.

      For something like this to happen, there must have been some damage along the path of a car out of control before it ends up submerged in the ocean.

      Was the car speeding and lost control? Was the person sick and lost control? Did the brakes fail? Lots of questions here.

      I don't understand how this could have happened.

      I would think there has to be some damage along the way to the road, fences or whatever else was in the cars path on its way to the ocean. And unless the deceased was unconscious on it's way to the ocean and unable to help themselves, this is hard to envision.

      Investigation and autopsy should provide some answers. At any rate, may God rest his soul. Poor fella.
    • Poli.Farmer (07/10/2023, 11:58) Like (62) Dislike (7) Reply
      Yes, I understand that the men sprung into action, and the entire Virgin Islands love and thank them for their valued action. But from the video, it didn’t even seems as though they had on snorkel mask or goggles. Minister of Health @⁨Hon. Vincent Wheatley⁩, I am hoping measures are taken to properly equip members of the Rescue teams in future situations of the like. From time you hear Car overboard - Grab your Mask! We MUST minimize the risks of our rescue teams when taking action!
    • NICK (07/10/2023, 17:07) Like (8) Dislike (11) Reply
      All I could say this need to a full investigation,who ever set this up is good but isn't that good, that once overseas investigators step in,it could be solve,remember intold you people up the gut are incontact with people from the prison,I once told you how to get the criminals from peir Park,use the same method...yesterday was the meeting for the boys,and these boy don't like whites,I will say no more.
      • BVI dirty little secrets (08/10/2023, 06:45) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
        @Nick what meeting for the boys? You seem to know a lot!! Please enlighten the investigators!
    • Rhythm up.. (07/10/2023, 17:18) Like (19) Dislike (8) Reply
      Seems to like he is being a very effective detective, and was messing wrong criminal, no wonder we having all these searches and arrest lately.. Maybe one them local officers turn into Judas and he end up just like Jesus, sad he won't rise and live again..Anything for the right amt of $$.
    • Could be Retaliation (07/10/2023, 17:30) Like (23) Dislike (4) Reply
      Hope the UK investigate whether this was a hit to cover up what has been discovered so far as well as retaliation.
    • Police Statement Error (07/10/2023, 19:15) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      The Police Statement mentions the vehicle as a “Kia Soul” when it looks like a Suzuki.
    • Arrion (07/10/2023, 23:41) Like (8) Dislike (49) Reply
      With this entire story, I noticed no one has mentioned that these UK cops are getting paid more than our police and getting promotions over our seasoned officers. This shows blatant RACISM at its finest. Let's not sweep this under the rug. Now, continue with your views about this accident. SMDH!
      • @arrion (08/10/2023, 12:39) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
        Shameful that you talk hate and racism in an article about a tragic death.
        Get your facts right about the promotions - see the last round and count.
      • You don't have a heart (08/10/2023, 22:36) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
        Now is not the time for that someone lost their life we not here to discuss who getting more paid
  • top (07/10/2023, 10:28) Like (9) Dislike (20) Reply
    Freak accident
  • shantel (07/10/2023, 10:29) Like (10) Dislike (151) Reply
    White these ****** ****** always come here to **** themselves.
    • @ shantel (07/10/2023, 10:41) Like (98) Dislike (3) Reply
      Why you don’t stop making a donkey of yourself!
    • Sick (07/10/2023, 10:54) Like (67) Dislike (2) Reply
      You are very, very, very sick person, mental health is a real problem. May God have mercy on your soul.
    • How you know (07/10/2023, 10:57) Like (45) Dislike (2) Reply
      Look where that vehicle is. Why would he drive there. Plus look how far out it was. You want to say the man was driving through the water like if it was Road Town on Wednesday? Plus you say always. Like you know something. Plus you racist.
      This looks suspicious to me.
      • @ How you know (07/10/2023, 11:37) Like (30) Dislike (7) Reply
        The fact that you can neither formulate a sentence nor a logical thought proves you need to refrain from commenting.
        • @Shantel (07/10/2023, 15:34) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
          You rush to talk crap but you can't take responses. now you know buh formulate a sentence. go drink water dumbo.
          • @ “@ shantel” (08/10/2023, 09:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
            You are the one that’s rushing to comment and shows you’re being a dumbo when the poster is not Shantel and is responding to “How you know”’s comment.

            Please formulate your sentences correctly before commenting.

            Thanks in advance.
    • WHAT!!! (07/10/2023, 11:30) Like (40) Dislike (1) Reply
      “shantel”
      Is it too much to expect from you to have some respect , someone is dead and for sure they had family.
    • @ shantel (07/10/2023, 12:24) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
      You have so much hate in your heart that you started your sentence with white and not why.

      Proves you are racist.
  • Mike Larry (07/10/2023, 10:40) Like (3) Dislike (95) Reply
    Another less MS. He like that whealtey dude that went off the road down slaney and went for a swim. Both these man need to learn how to drive big truck first.
    • @ Mike Larry (07/10/2023, 12:26) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
      Stop using someone else’s profile name.
    • @ Mike Larry (07/10/2023, 12:32) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
      You must really dislike the individual that uses the profile name you hijacked though we know he talks rubbish don’t think he’d be wasting his time laughing at tragedy.
    • Thankful (07/10/2023, 21:54) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Please keep my family name out of this news thank u
  • hmm (07/10/2023, 10:59) Like (4) Dislike (29) Reply
    Those who saw the interview know there was no local in sight. Lol
    • @ lol (07/10/2023, 11:39) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
      You need deliverance because only the devil could have you speaking that way.

      NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT IT!
    • @ lol (07/10/2023, 12:25) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
      Which interview were you watching?

      They were all local helping to rescue the individual.
  • Stop It (07/10/2023, 11:10) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    No comments GOD IS THE JUDGE
  • @Shantel (07/10/2023, 11:24) Like (55) Dislike (5) Reply
    Shantel or whoever you are, go take a look in the mirror and ask yourself "What kinda monster has my Mother brought into this world?
  • Wait (07/10/2023, 11:31) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why don’t you all just wait for the details instead of speculating?
  • Sad (07/10/2023, 11:40) Like (34) Dislike (7) Reply
    That was so sad to see, I was really hoping nobody was in the car. Hats off to the guys that went in the water. And um, the reporter on JTV needs to be a little more professional.
    • @sad (07/10/2023, 17:03) Like (19) Dislike (8) Reply
      the woman said many times she was nervous, you can hear that she was lost for words. What more professional you wnat....strupppess.
  • herbs power (07/10/2023, 12:54) Like (24) Dislike (5) Reply
    He could have been down there from the flood because anyone saw anything. The road and the sea was one level.
  • hello (07/10/2023, 13:23) Like (33) Dislike (3) Reply
    Without credible facts thus far - this is just an opinion - we cannot rule out the act of suicide.
    • fair play (07/10/2023, 16:15) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
      Thank you for confronting the elephant in the room. I myself have thought this. Condolences to his family and the RVIPF
  • Horrible comments (07/10/2023, 14:22) Like (57) Dislike (4) Reply
    Why don’t you all think of the family and friends before you comment such malicious, pathetic, hateful words.

    When you experience the pain of a loved one dying in a shocking and unexpected way, and someone comments such vile, needless words, I hope you think back and regret your heartlessness.

    Shame on you, you should be embarrassed of yourselves. Find some value in life elsewhere where your opinions might be of use.
    • @Horrible Comments (08/10/2023, 03:37) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      I agree with you wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, this is the mindset of the majority - heartless and uncaring. I don’t know if we will ever improve as it seems to get worse. Unless it’s their family member, then, perhaps they will be more empathetic. Don’t hold your breath though…
      Sending out my heartfelt condolences to the gentleman’s family and friends and to the RVIPF, for their loss.
  • bbc (07/10/2023, 14:56) Like (22) Dislike (26) Reply
    you can not speak a certain way, when things involve an European however when it comes to locals or negroes it is alright to lambast them….

    run talk that
    • @ Bbc (08/10/2023, 10:01) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
      You mean many of the locals and negroes who lambaste each other and laugh when another falls? Oh ok and yea I’m not European but calling it like it is seen!
  • Hmm (07/10/2023, 15:23) Like (19) Dislike (7) Reply
    Showing the deceased was a bit tasteless for a certain media outlet, but anything for views and likes SMH
  • John (07/10/2023, 15:29) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Do
  • Hmm (07/10/2023, 15:55) Like (18) Dislike (3) Reply
    Foul Play
  • kk (07/10/2023, 16:10) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    No body discovre by no local fisherman is so the thing set wickedness in high please
  • whatever (07/10/2023, 16:22) Like (8) Dislike (69) Reply
    Who really cares about police who don’t care about us
  • Free2Roam (07/10/2023, 16:41) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    Although they are undercover or doing surveillance, don't they check-in or sign-in somewhere throughout the day? I mean there has to be some accountability for these undercover officers someone.
  • UL (07/10/2023, 16:42) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    His other investigating buddies are due to find out what went wrong
  • T (07/10/2023, 16:42) Like (34) Dislike (6) Reply
    That's a fake accident at it's high level no joke even the blind man can see this is to many nonsense going on now man how all of sudden fisherman fish. In that area please try something different because sense make before book me son
    • Truth (08/10/2023, 06:12) Like (29) Dislike (3) Reply
      T you obviously don’t know your own Tortola. The Phillipino’s fish those rocks all the time
      • The bum (08/10/2023, 13:10) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Lots of bartenders and cooks in that area are phillopinoes too,poison, plus close to many expat bar and resturant,the governor house,2 police station in walking distance and lots of cameras hhhhmmm
    • @T (08/10/2023, 10:14) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      You need need to go around BVI all hours in the day and night and you will see the phillipinos of all ages all over fishing. Even in some marinas catching tarpons.
  • y (07/10/2023, 16:54) Like (8) Dislike (13) Reply
    U all see what happens Wednesday wiith all those water in town that is witchcraft mareain spirit no lie
  • Manjack (07/10/2023, 17:04) Like (7) Dislike (36) Reply
    Condolences to the France family on the passing of Detective Paul France. If the reports are true, the RVIPF is racial tinder box. Are there two RVIPFs forces, ie, one Black and one White? If no, why White UK officers are deliberately kept from reporting to any one Black? Is this a coincidence or whites are too superiority to report to black officers? Why is Governor Rankin, CoP Mark Collins allowed to bring their, discriminatory practices of the BVI? Are they doing so because they the BVi people are so dense, docile, etc that they wiil accept anything done or say by a White person? Their assessment was correct for locals are quiet as lambs going to the slaughter. How is the moral, good order and discipline, etc in the RVIPF? Are we in 1823 or 2023? If 2023 why Virgin Islanders are putting up with this egregious leadership and management behavior? What is Dr. Hon Natalio Wheatley take on this egregious behavior? Is this racial and discriminatory egregious behavior permitted in UK police force and security forces and in the UK in general? Are Black Britons and other persons of African descent treated this way in the UK.? If no why are they bringing and us tolerating this behavior in the BVI? If the allegations are true, Governor Rankin are proving to worst tgsn Administrator John Agustus Cockburn Cruikshank and needs to go now., not January- I almost for but is it true that UK officers are paid more than black officers? Are there any Black UK officers among the 30? A commission of inquiry into the RVI PF operation and racial practices. Rankin, Rankin, Rankin...... must go . He is a wolf in sheep clothing. Though it is not going to matter, a complaint needs to be file for the record with Tge FCO and probably needs to elevated up to PM Sunak.
  • Unbelievable.. (07/10/2023, 17:12) Like (46) Dislike (6) Reply
    No missing person report. Didn't show up to work for a few days no sick report, no co-worker, or supervisor get concerned, call him, get no answer and decided to check his resident....This is so, so serious and mystical, only in Colombia and mexico these kinda a stuff happen.. BVI is becoming scary deadly..
  • Conjuring (07/10/2023, 17:17) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    Black Magic
  • UK (07/10/2023, 17:38) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
    We will miss you Paul. I look forward to next weeks back in the uk
  • Condolences (07/10/2023, 17:53) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
    Sympathy to the family of the deceased. No matter how we rate each other on earth, we will all stand before God on that great day regardless od nationality, race or origin.

    Police please check the surrounding area and shore. Sometimes evidence is right in front of us but we looking for a bigger picture. Check other parked cars and the bush to make sure ain't got nobody else
  • rattie (07/10/2023, 19:17) Like (5) Dislike (12) Reply
    Ask Jespert he found the dead Jamaican
  • The Reaper (07/10/2023, 19:30) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Picture please .
  • To: @sad (07/10/2023, 20:01) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    She's in the wrong profession.
    • @sad too (07/10/2023, 20:47) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
      I also thought she could have been a little less emotional. But I also empathize with her seeing the gravity of the situation. She was hoping against hope that Noone was in the vehicle and when they realize somebody was they knew the person had to be deceased. No matter how professional you are these situations can hit you hard. I have seen American journalists shed tears in situations of natural disasters and wars. The bvi is a small place and we are closer to each other so I understand how emotional it must have been for her.
  • please (07/10/2023, 20:49) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Was he in the driver seat was the key on him or in the car please check that out.
  • @@sad (07/10/2023, 21:24) Like (7) Dislike (8) Reply
    Why was the media even allowed that close to the scene? Ridiculous
  • warning (07/10/2023, 23:57) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    By 11am tomorrow Scotland Yard will be in the territory. It’s not just an officer but a caucasian officer. Rest assured that the clean up that we need that most people hate are coming.
  • UK resident (08/10/2023, 02:03) Like (37) Dislike (1) Reply
    How I wish I wasn’t reading this and all the derogatory messages. Mr. Francis was a great Police Officer, Friend and human
    We could all learn a lesson from him.
    I will miss you but so will the community. You were true, honest and a blooming good man!
    • Total Shock (08/10/2023, 16:09) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
      Paul was the most amazing friend and colleague. I am devastated to hear this news. Some of the comments on here are shocking, you should be ashamed of yourselves, a true gentleman has lost his life
  • @ Manjack (08/10/2023, 05:51) Like (3) Dislike (15) Reply
    @Manjack, tough, uncomfortable questions for UK-appointed Governor John Rankin, CMG, and CoP Mark Collins. But their responses are Blacks have no rights deserving respect by whites and questions deserving an answer. Is this BVI apartheid with the willing concurrence of locals. Locals docile behavior has boosted these people confidence to push their racist and discriminatory behavior. The Governor speaketh with bold forked tongue on the taxpayers dime. Parasite, parasite, parasite. Some label this parasitic behavior forced agreement between UK and BVI as crusading, ie, BVI taxpayers paying to be ruled, for the BVI is footing the bill for the Governor living high on the hog and his best life. These people have no conscience. The, UK the sixth largest economy in the world, should be paying its own way. Instead it is behaving in typical colonialism fashion, ie, exploiting, racial superior, etc. The whip on our forebears back built England. Now the administrative whip is exploiting their descendants. The more things change the more they stay the same. Deja vu all over again. Virgin Islanders are in a deep, deep, slumber and dreaming, dreaming, etc that the colonialists have their backs. Keep dreaming, for when the dream is over the reality will strike you, having you wondering where has homeland gone?? Too late, too late, shall be the cry.
  • Forbidden Truth (08/10/2023, 07:40) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    NOTHING WILL CHANGE IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS......NOTHING...WE GOT COMFORTble with mediorcrity, selfishness, badmindedness,negative ambitions,inflated egos,wutlissness,the so-called easy life, envy,jealousy, THAT’S THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AS WE LIVE IN IT TODAY DAM IF LAWENFORCEMENT DO, DAM IF THEY DO NOT.
  • John (08/10/2023, 08:35) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    How did he get over there that what I want to know
  • To @@sad (08/10/2023, 09:20) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Cause this is Tola and anything goes. But, it was all for likes on their page, so let them enjoy it for now.....
  • Nikki (08/10/2023, 10:57) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    I expected to see rescue people outfitted with tanks and scuba equipment.
  • HE WAS TAKEN OUT (08/10/2023, 17:06) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    got to be , he was exposed by someone / remember the police girl who was sharing inside information on what was going down to the criminals / that's was just a typical example and am not saying this what happened here , OK , or the .information he had was the reason
    for last set of drugs bursts and the person smwho he got information .
    from would know who they spoke to , so as I said before when you mess up with the drug lords $$$$ you got to correct your mistakes and if you do , you still might come up missing , because they have to cover their tracks , ( looks like a message was sent ) ( WARNING) .leave that blood money alone
  • bb (08/10/2023, 21:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    You need Scotland yard to figure out this thing i am a drive r and i am trying to put peaces togèther up to now i can't get it do please don't get no wrong
  • ok (09/10/2023, 01:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why would he be over there? Very unusual.
  • respect! (09/10/2023, 03:28) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why is most of the story about criticising the Police when a man has died?
    Shame on you
  • Mustang (09/10/2023, 05:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Does either Fire and Rescue or RVIPF have certifued divers ? And if so why did they not din their rescue/dive gear in the search and investigation?
    • @Mustang (09/10/2023, 08:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The water is probably 10ft deep at most, scuba gear would just make things more difficult.
  • UK Truth seeker (10/10/2023, 09:46) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was proud to call Paul France my friend for over 30 years. He was a truly kind man, a father and a friend to many who will be sadly missed by many. The world is a poker place for his passing. Some people commenting on this thread really need to have a long hard look at themselves


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