Gov Rankin orders review into complaints against CoP Mark Collins
Some of the complaints against Mr Collins stem from leaked emails in which he requested senior ranks of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to destroy certain evidence relevant to a matter involving a now-retired officer.
The line of complaints was officially handed to Governor Rankin in the form of a petition in late 2023. The petition included 55 allegations against Mr Collins.
Earlier today January 5, 2024, during his interaction with members of the media after presenting his Fifth Quarterly Report on the Implementation of the Commission of Inquiry, the governor was faced with the question as to why no investigation has been launched into the allegations against Mr Collins.
Independent Review ordered
“I have, in fact, in line with UK and international best practice, asked a senior police officer from another Overseas Territory in the Region to carry out an independent review of the complaints that have been made...and once that review is completed and the findings and recommendations have been made, then I will make the information available to the public, but I need to wait for the outcome of that but of course, I take all complaints seriously and so I have taken action in that matter as I have with other matters.”
No details as to which Overseas Territory the investigating officer hails from or their qualifications were given; however, Mr Rankin insisted that he has no bias.
'I am not biased'- Gov Rankin
“I have illustrated there is no bias on my part in this area and have ordered a review of the complaints … I reject the accusation of any bias.”
The Governor added that he is not aware of anything that suggests that the majority of the officers in the RVIPF are against the commissioner, as posited by one reporter.
“I have seen the petition which has been signed by a number of officers. Some of the complaints in that petition are of different nature from others but they will be looked into, and I do not believe there are grounds for not having confidence in the Commissioner of Police but await the outcome of the review and I shall receive it without fear or favour.”
Minister for Communications and Works, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5), Opposition Member Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), and Talking Points radio show co-host Damion C. Grange are some of the persons who had publicly said the allegations against the Commissioner of Police should be looked into.
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32 Responses to “Gov Rankin orders review into complaints against CoP Mark Collins”
They already reach their own conclusion even before this review gets underway. Then again watch the language - review versus investigation.
Who he trying too fool bout he is not baised.
For instance, where is the transparency in all of this? Suppose he wasn’t asked about this incident during his press conference? When exactly was he going to tell the BVI public that he ‘asked a senior officer’ from another OT for an independent review?
This sounds more like a personal favor than UK and international best practices as suggested by the governor. Something is not quite right with this picture. I believe that this will turn out to be the same kind of situation like the incident with the UK officer that died some months ago. The public will be left in the dark AND the governor would have left the territory.
Also, why the COP in not presently on leave and his two Deputies. It might sound a bit difficult but one name was called in the email and the other was the one pushing for the matter to be withdrawn from the Court so the officer could get the extension. People think about it.
The investigating officer must who is no longer in the Force must speak the truth and nothing but the truth. Also the Inspector that laid the complaint in the magistrate court. He profess to be a Christian so he must speak the truth and nothing but the truth.
This blogg is particularly about the leaked email. But the Police officers must speak the truth. There is sufficient evidence for the COP to or one of his Deputies to face Diciplinary or criminal charges or Dismiss.
People, the law, both criminal and civil is not for one set. This is not hear say. This is from the Horses mouth.
People again, the word for the wise.
A word to the wise.
So you officers who are expecting to have your concerns addressed, don't hold your breath.