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David Morris takes another aim at media

- Accuses media of being irresponsible
Acting Commissioner of Police David Morris has accused the local media of being irresponsible and said it sometimes causes him to be “annoyed”. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Acting Commissioner of Police David Morris has accused the local media of being irresponsible and said it sometimes causes him to be “annoyed”.

Speaking on the CBN Channel 51 television show Real Talk, hosted by Karia Christopher on December 12, 2012, Mr Morris also said he runs an open door policy at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

The Acting Commissioner was at the time commenting on the lawsuit filed by two officers of the RVIPF against him and the Attorney General on the alleged unlawful delegation of powers regulation by Governor Boyd McCleary.

Ms Christopher had asked  Mr Morris whether the RVIPF had made the public aware of the regulation by the Governor to delegate the powers of promotion, discipline and transfer of officers, which belonged to the Police Service Commission under the Virgin Islands Constitution, to the Office of the Police Commissioner. Morris claimed that the police issued a press release on it.

He also said that the RVIPF could not regulate what the media says or prints.

In the same breath, Mr Morris said the officers in the force could not be disgruntled since they did not come to him disgruntled and expressed surprised that the media have been suggesting that police in the RVIPF are aggrieved.

“So it does upset me and it does sometimes cause me to be quite annoyed with the media here in the BVI cause I feel sometimes they are very irresponsible in terms of their reporting and sometimes the pictures they produce...,” Mr Morris was stating before he was interrupted by Ms Christopher who stated that certain ‘controversial’ content of news media was a worldwide issue and not unique to the Virgin Islands.

In May 9, 2011, an article entitled ‘who is in charge of the RVIPF, is the Deputy too powerful?’ some officers speaking to this news site have alleged that there might be subtle discrimination in the RVIPF, as in a few meetings, Deputy Commissioner Morris had allegedly said that he needs the United Kingdom Officers as the local police officers do not “have the skills and capabilities like his UK officers”.

One officer had further told Virgin Islands News Online that Morris was allegedly always pushing a Nigel Nivens, a UK officer who is the Senior Investigative Officer, and telling the other local officers of Nivens’ alleged police skills that no other local officers have to investigate crime. However, another police officer told this news site in the same article mentioned above, that when crime occurs at night ‘we never see Nigel but he is the SIO”.

Following the Virgin Islands News Online article, the Deputy Commissioner made an attempt to censor this news site by shutting us out of all press conferences held by the RVIPF, removing our name from press release circulars including the reporters personal E-mail addresses and disallowing any senior officer from speaking to this news site on matters of public information.

Morris’ unprofessional, illegal and unconstitutional act was met with outrage from most in the legal and professional class, however, he has since lifted the ban without this news site having to seek remedy and intervention in the courts. 

29 Responses to “David Morris takes another aim at media”

  • same old (16/12/2012, 10:20) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    The media just need to boycott Morris wid he hogwash!!! This is the dam BVI not Cuba or China… the days of dictatorship is long over!
  • old glory (16/12/2012, 10:24) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    And image this is the man who wants to be our top law enforcement officer...a man that believes in censorship...citizens should be leery
  • lion (16/12/2012, 10:26) Like (2) Dislike (9) Reply
    tortola lets stick mtogrther and get the petition of removal going to the queen
    he white and playing smart saying he black to cool us down ha ha too tricksy go going gone bam bam
    • pay day (16/12/2012, 17:54) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      this police chief need to be rational and not go off the deep end by suggesting that only the media is irresponsible and said it sometimes causes him to be “annoyed”. wake up dude get a life..go fight crime that is why my tax $$$$ is paying you!!!
  • justitia Omnibus (16/12/2012, 11:09) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    BREAKING NEWS!!! This news site just learnt that another officer who was recently arrested and place on suspension is now seeking legal advice on the possiblity of sueing the commissioner of police and the AG for unlawful detention while an internal investigation was being carried out as to whether that officer had abuse the office of the RVIPF. The officer was detained and told that they was not arrested, but couldn't leave the room. The officer was release the same day, then the file was sent to DPP for advice and that officer was later place on suspension by the COP and not the PoSC. Their u see the constitution of our land is constantly being abused by the Ag COP. We will wait to hear further details on this story as it comes to lite.
  • Hmmmm (16/12/2012, 11:25) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    he beter off with his mouth close and say no more cause what i hearing he got more backlash to come with that letter he just wrote not to longe ago, once again over stepping his bounderies
  • qc (16/12/2012, 11:47) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    he hates the media so much and he always in the news? seems like a hypocrite if you ask we
  • Be Fair (16/12/2012, 13:02) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    Well all I know is since he take office, alot of drugs been coming off the road...let's see some of those cold cases be solved and such...the constitutional matter is in the hands of the court and people let's just wait and see how the court rules...i'm glad at least somebody took the initiative to challenge (whether it right or it wrong)...because too much unconstitutional things does go on right in the BVI and everyone complaining and no one taking action...and folks it is the commissioner's office being sued, not him personally...give the man a chance...he appears to be doing good...only time will tell what character he is...BVI needs a strong COP who is independant-minded...when you find someone like that there will always be haters...but as the GOOD BOOK says, by their fruits ye shall know them. Guidance.
    • be fair,I like your blog (16/12/2012, 17:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      be fair,legal team commend you for your views,and everyone respect your views on the issues at hand.I see that you respect the views of others:That is what democracy is all about.
  • legal team ask: what is discrimination?? (16/12/2012, 17:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    Vino:Thanks for allowing persons to express themselves on the issue at hand;which is"This Breaking news".Today,sunday 16th December,2012,is the 3rd sunday of advent,according to the doctrine and teachings of the catholic church,and today at church,I received the sacrament of the Holy Eucharistic[Bread to represent the body of christ and wine to represent the blood of christ]from our bishop-gabriel malzaire.When srvice was ended,The bishop said"Go in peace and serve the lord".I left the church with my mom and other family members,and we left in peace with no hatred and vexatiousness against any child of god in this world. we live in societies where those in high authority want to break the law,and believe that they should not be exposed in the media.The legal team is not in public office,so legal team is not accountable to the public:But David Morris must be held accountable for his actions and statements["calling people undesirables"] in public!What is discrimination under the V.I Constitution?Hmm,let us read the constitution:
    Section 26 of the V.I Constitution [Protection from discrimination] States "(1) In this section,the expression-(a)[discrimination] means affording different treatment to different persons on any ground such as sex,race,colour[of skin] language,religion,political or other opinion,national,ethic or social origin,association with a national minority,property,family relations,economic status,disability,age,birth,sexual orientation,marital or other status" and sub-section (b) states"[public authority] means any authority,body or company or association in which the Government of the Virgin Islands has an interest and which performs a public function or duty".So according to the V.I Constitution-section 26(b) David Morris is a person of [Public Authority].So; Did Morris discriminate against VINO? Yes,he did,so then,he violated VINO'S Constitutional rights!He treated VINO differently from other news media,in CONTRAVENTION of section 26(1)(a) of the Constitution!!He does the same discrimination thing in the police force??.Example: UK-born officers are immediately promoted to ranks of sgt,inspector and chief inspector,upon their first appointment in the BVI-police force.But BVI/Caribbean officers,when they join the force,they are placed on 3-years probation,under section 12(1)(2) of the police Act.After 3 years probation,the law directs the COP,to Confirm the BVI/Caribbean officer to the substantive rank of Constable.[That is the law!] But Right now,there are about 5 BVI/Caribbean officers whom Morris has refused to appoint,dispite of the LAW directing the COP to Confirm/appoint! So UK-Born officers are appointed/promoted as soon as they join the force,but B...BVI/Caribbean officers,cannot be confirm/appointed under the LAW, in their own country; after 3 years probation! THAT is discrimination under section 26(1)(a) of the Constitution: But Morris will continue,because our elected representives,sit there and allow Morris to discriminate against our Bl..-BVI/Caribbean officers!!.Legal team will continue to blog on the Constitution,Law,and facts!Mommy said,"Jeff,don't call-down people and say bad things about people on blogs,just because they share a different views from you",I said "mom,the legal team don't blog on people,I blog on the Constitution!"

  • shut the hell up (16/12/2012, 17:47) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
    my my my, if only morris know how the bvi works...shut mouth do not catch fly!!
  • a bvislander (16/12/2012, 19:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is beyond belief that all of the comments are being put out.....Let the professional do his job and let the community support him and the force to do their jobs....let's stop this petty agitation.....enough is enough....let's get out islands safe, strong, working together, and helping one another.........
    • yes we can (17/12/2012, 07:11) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      the media in the bvi is still very strong, they need to stay strong and keep strong and stand up to Morris

    • a bvislander? (17/12/2012, 10:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree with you 1000%. Let us help one another to respect rights and respect the laws of the country and work together with the law,because there will be no peace untill we get equal rights and justice under the same law.what do you call petty agitation?people opposing bad governance in society?let those who are agitaed stay agitated.so lets work together on that
    • a bvislander? (17/12/2012, 10:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree with you 1000%. Let us help one another to respect rights and respect the laws of the country and work together with the law,because there will be no peace untill we get equal rights and justice under the same law.what do you call petty agitation?people opposing bad governance in society?let those who are agitaed stay agitated.so lets work together on that
  • Let the law blow up! (16/12/2012, 19:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    David,sit in class and read this:The Law-Police Act,Chapter 165,V.I laws made by V.I Parliament The law,states "Probationary appointment and termination of service,[section 12 (1) A constable SHALL be appointed on probation during the first 3 years of his service in the force and may,on the conclusion of the probationary period to the satisfaction of the commissioner,be confirmed in his appointment by the Governor acting on the advice of the Commissioner".
    Sub-section(2) of section 12-Police Act, states "A Service of a constable on probation may be dispensed with by the Commissioner with approval of the Governor at any time during the perid of probation if the constable is not suitable to perform the duties of his office or if he is not likely to become an effecient and well-conducted member of the Force". Interpretation-What does that section say to the C.O.P and Governor?
    The law is saying to Morris,and Governor ,and now the Police Service Commission,that after 3-years of probation,you either keep the officer,and appoint him under section 97(1) of the Constitution,or if he has shown that he will not be a good officer,you dispense him[dismiss]him under the said section 97(1)of the Constitution! But that can only be done within-3-years! Mr. Morris and Governor,Legal Team is saying to you,based on the LAW,you have no authority,to defer the appointment of a Bl@ck-BVI/Caribbean officer[who is servicing Her Majesty]For 5 years and more. Morris and Governor ;you MUST obey the LAWS of the Parliament of the BVI! You cannot do whatever you want,CONTRARY to BVI laws!
    Equality Before the Law:Section 12 of the V.I Constitution
    Section 12 of the V.I Constitution states "(1) Everyone is EQUAL Before the LAW and has the RIGHT to Equal protection and BENEFIT of the LAW":(sub-section 2 states) "Subject to such limitations as are prescribed by law,Equality includes the full and Equal ENJOYMENT of all RIGHTS and FREEDOMS". These are the written words of Her Majesty-The Queen,in section 12(1-2)of our V.I Constitition.Her Majesty,said we should be free? PHAROAH-FAYROW,Her Majesty said "Set my people FREE"! PHAROAH-FAYROW"Let my people Go"! David,according to the law;you are VIOLATING the Rights of Bl@ck BVI/Caribbean officers of Her Majesty's Polic Force! David,you must Obey Her Majesty's LAWS In THE BVI!

  • Police Act say no discrimination! (16/12/2012, 20:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    Legal Team call on david to sit his exam and pass by section 18 of the Police Act:Section 18 of the Police Act,Laws of the V.I states "Every member of the Force has ALL the Rights,Powers,Authorities,Privileges,and Immunities conferred on a member of the Force,by any LAW that is now in force in the Territory and likewise in respect of any LAW that comes into operation in the Territory upon the coming into operation of the LAW". The LAW is there to guide the COP and the Governor: UK officers or BVI/Caribbean officers must get-Same treatment under the LAW!
    David Morris,I saw on TV earlier this year how UK Students protested on streets in London fighting for their RIGHTS!We saw people in the streets of UK protesting violently!! It is not because you realise that BVI People are kind,loving and peaceful,that you can treat some officers differently than others.Mr.Morris,OBEY BVI LAWS sir.

  • CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE (16/12/2012, 20:49) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    My LAW-dictionary defines Civil Disobedince as "The refusal to OBEY a LAW for the purpose of Demonstrating its unfairness or social UNDESIRABILITY;generally DOES NOT apply to violent efforts to oppose LAWS".
    Since Governor Boyd McCleary,Unconstitutionally took his powers and the powers of the Po.S.C,under section 97(1) of the Constitution,and gave these powers-unlawfully to David Morris,it appears to me that David is on a lawless rampage to silence Freedom of the Press! What is Morris annoyed about?All kind of things were said on BBC news about police illegal phone-tapping-Police CORRUPTION in the UK:I never heard Morris say,that he ANNOYED with BBC for broadcasting police corruption in UK: Because people ENJOYING their bloggings on news site,under our Constitution;that annoying a Commissioner?.So you UPSET-COP?This is dangerous,to have a Commissioner who is UPSET at the Media!! We don't know what he might do to media personnel?
    Based on the definition of "Civil Disobedience" I am calling on BVI for Civil Disobedince" Towards the Governor's UNLAWFULL "Police Service (Delegation of Powers) Regulations,2012,which gives Morris UNLAWFULL powers in the BVI,under the Police Act.The governor's self-made-document is NOT A LAW in the BVI,because it DID NOT go through BVI parliament under sections 71,76,&79 of the V.I Constitution. LEGAL TEAM is calling for CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE for that piece of paper,the governor put in Morris' hand!!Don't Obey it-it is NOT A LAW in the BVI!!
  • BLOGGERS are not interfering with a Court Matter: (17/12/2012, 09:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Today 17th Dec,2012, advent continues.Let us call on the lord,to give us strength to expose wrong[at all levels] in society. What is happening in the BVI right now on this issue on the Constitution and the Censoring of the Media,and people enjoying their freedoms,is like new to the BVI.[everyday-morning noon and night]you hear carribbean radia stations and TV with talkshow,enjoying freedom of the press.When people in High Places doing wrong to the citizens,using their positions,to oppress and dismiss[taking bread from the little man's mouth]it is OK;no body cry-out for the little man.When little man break the law,we blogging saying"Send dem to prison etc.." calling dem criminal before they are convicted;but big man in society do wrong,we saying give dem a chance.Of-course they deserve a chance to be heard! We want to hear them.When people make themselves available for public life,they become answerable to the public:Their actions are subjected to public scrutiny and public criticism.They are human beings and their rights are respected;But their position,is public position!Well VINO;if no one else going to blog on this lawlessness in society,reserve all de blogging space for the Legal Team:Me alone will blog:Her Majesty-The Queen,authorizes me under section 23 of the V.I Constitution,to go ahead and blog!I want to be a hall-of-fame-blogger:I on retirement from work-I have plenty time!BV-Islanders and residence are not on the streets,protesting with violence towards any body!Section 71,78,&79 of the V.I Constitution,guides the Governor on how Laws are enacted in the BVI.He calculatedly do otherwise,by making his own law,just to give a UK man power,when the same Governor,did not give BVI-Commissioner Reynell Frazer,these unlawfull powers! And we must go to bed,and because we prayed to the lord,to grant us another day in this sinful world;we should forget what the Governor did? The matter filed by 2 police officers,have nothing to do with the PUBLIC!But because it is filed in a public court,people blogg about it! What is before the court,is for the Judge;the plaintiffs,the defendants[morris & A.G].The judge will make a ruling on the case based on the EVIDENCE-On a balance of PROBABILITY.The Judge will rule on the evidence[signed affidivits-made under oath; presented inside the court!].The JUDGE CANNOT RULE,on what Bloggers say on a news site-BLOGGS!What is being said on BLOGGS,is Not an interference with a Court Matter. The AFFIDAVITS of the 2 police officers,bearing their signatures,were not made public!The documentary evidence,filed,were not given to the press! BUT the "Police Service (Delegation of Powers)Regulations 2012,also called "Statutory Instrument NO.14,is now a PUBLIC DOCUMENT,published in the official GAZETTE! The document-authentically siged by the GOVERNOR,is a Public Document:It is not a Court-Document!It may be produced as an Evidential-"EXHIBIT"in the Court,but the Document itself is not a court document. So Bloggers can blog and talk about the court matter.It is the Crown that is being sued![The Crown means-The Government-The people] Technically;David Morris is not being Sued[He is just a defendant of the Crown] Out of 30,000 residents,only 2 police officers chose to sue the crown.They understand their rights,so they took action-That's their business and the court's business.These bloggs cannot be produced in court as evidence,to be relied upon!!My BLOGGING is about this UNLAWFUL piece of paper,the governor used to put power in MORRIS' HAND!Who vex lost,AH blogging on de Constitution:FREEDOM:let FREEDOM reign in the BVI.
  • mesayso (17/12/2012, 11:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Morris, donot study them they just like news and donot use their senses I like you and I think you are doing a darn good job we are seeing more drugs off the street and I know if you get support from your fellow officer you will do good for this country. Take heart and don’t worry about those sensitive bloggers they are not thinking they just like news
  • batman (17/12/2012, 12:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seems like this man Morris always involved in saying something questionable.
  • airport (17/12/2012, 14:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go away nah David!!! Please! VINO find some new news story
    • british airways (17/12/2012, 16:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      air port,david ent going no whay on extradiction.we like him in the bvi.wen he talk with open mout we will talk back on the news site let him stay on vino news we want him stay in the bvi we like every body let morris be happy in bvi
  • black man (17/12/2012, 15:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    VINO, time to turn the lights off this publicity-seeking junkie. Enough is enough!
  • internal affairs (17/12/2012, 16:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who write dem words in a memo...""On 20th April 2012 His Excellency,the Governor Mr.Boyd McCleary,CMG,CVO signed off The Police Service (Delegation of Powers)Regulations 2012.I attach a copy for your information.You will note that the Regulations came into force on the 1st May 2012.These Regulations basically delegate to the Commissioner of Police the authority to-"" blah,blah,,"" Consequently,interdiction from duty,disciplinary hearings and penalties imposed excluding "removal from office' can now be dealt with internally as opposed to referring all such matters to the police service commission...""
    ""All appeals concerning the decision of the Commissioner regarding appointments and discipline will be forwarded through the commissioner to the police service commission for recommendation to the governor"".De governor regulation en't make room for appeal but dis man now tellin us how we mus appeal..I crying...well sah me son.who write dem words.him saying if him make a decision against you and you decide to appeal him saying to appeal to him for him to see what you appealing against him so him will decide if your appeal must go forward.bvislanders jump high or low blog or no blog we finish in dis place under dese dictators we in trouble.bvi cry cry cry..hmmm wipe de tears from me eyes....me ah cry,,hmmm
  • Don't interfere with Po.S.C! (18/12/2012, 06:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    University-Student David,since you are a freshman student to the BVI school of learning,let legal team teach you about BVI Constitution.You are lost!!turn your book[constitution] to page 44 of the BVI Constitution,and READ what Her Majesty directed in section 91(9),and after you read section 91(9) go and read section 96(2) on page 48,because the LATTER section refers to the POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION:Student David,be obedient,like student Legal Team-Section 91(9) of the V.I Constitution states "Subject to this Constitution,in the exercise of its functions the Public Service Commission shall NOT BE subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority".Wait! Student David don't comment too fast,I know this section only applies to the Public Service Commission.Let us go to the next section on page 48,before you comment:Section 96(2) of the V.I Constitution states "The provisions of section 91(9)[as it relates to the Public Service Commission] SHALL [also] apply in relation to the POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION as they apply to the Public Service Commission and for that purpose SHALL have effect as if the references therein to the LATTER[Po.S.C] were reference to the former[P.S.C]
    Legal Team is a Coal-Pit-School graduate,with no law degree.He just playing lawyer;so don't listen to him,go and read the Constitution for yourself,to see if he quoting the law correctly!My interpretation of sections 91(9) and 96(2) are that,the Commissions must be independent with no interference by persons such as the COP,who admitted that he had discussions with the Po.S.C,about making PROMOTION policies etc.. in the Police Force! [Her Majesty-the Queen] directed the Po.S.C in section 97(1) of the V.I Constitution,that they can only ADVISE the Governor on appointments etc..The Constitution did NOT direct the Po.S.C,to join with David Morris to make policies,to operate the affairs of the Police Force.[Stop using the Po.S.C as excuse, David]Yet another Constitutional VIOLATION by ACTING COP DAVID MORRIS! lawlessness,lawlessness in High Places!
    Note:When I called David a student,I meant no insult:A student is a person "Learning"at a learning institution[no matter your age] David is still learning BVI Laws.I am a student of law and David is also a student of law.We are learning BVI laws together.Good luck on your exams-David!
  • he needs to go (22/12/2012, 12:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can't understand why the media continues to waste valuable column inches covering this pathetic loser.......steeeuuups!!!


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