Hon Turnbull blasts CoP Matthews over CGB Police Station

- Warned the Police Commissioner there is no time for excuses & leaving the residents of his district unsecured

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Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (right) has told Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews (left) to stop making excuses and have the Cane Garden Bay Police Station opened 24 hours. Photo: VINO/Facebook/File

The Cane Garden Bay Police Station only operates during the day. Photo: VINO/File

The flyer for the State of the 2nd District Address and Party at Cane Garden Bay hosted by Third District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull. Photo: Facebook

CANE GARDEN BAY, Tortola, VI- It was during the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) of the House of Assembly’s deliberation on the 2017 Budget that Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull raised the issue with the Commissioner of Police (CoP) Michael ‘Mick’ Matthews on the closure of the Cane Garden Bay Police Station.

In his response that many saw as bordering on disrespect, Mr Matthews told the body in his answer to the question that “buildings cannot provide policing.”

The CoP further explained that the force does not have the resources to keep the Cane Garden Bay Police Station opened 24/7 and had to make a decision to have the West End Police Station cover on the closed times of the Cane Garden Bay Station.

Stop the excuse, Matthews told!

Speaking tonight February 25, 2017 at his State of the 2^nd District Address and Party at Cane Garden Bay on the main island of Tortola, Hon Turnbull fired back at Mr Matthews.

Hon Turnbull told his constituencies “I will not stop, I will not sit back and I will not remain quiet because we are paying thousands and thousands of dollars per month, for that police station to leave it unmanned, to leave the citizens of and residents of Cane Garden Bay, Windy Hill, Ballast Bay, Brewers Bay, Chalwell and all over Mayabo…..unsecured we have a police station we need to have it manned, there is no more time for excuses and I will not stop until we have that police station reopened and manned on a daily basis…that is ours, that is our right and that is the least they can do!”

At the SFC meeting on the 2017 Appropriation Act, Commissioner Mathews claimed that the mere fact that officers are not at Cane Garden Bay Police Station does not mean they are not in the community.

Police spokeswoman Diane Drayton could not immediately be reached for a response.

52 Responses to “Hon Turnbull blasts CoP Matthews over CGB Police Station”

west end police (25/02/2017, 21:07) Like (25) Dislike (36) Reply
Hit him mitch he out of order
- Really Mitch (25/02/2017, 21:45) Like (50) Dislike (6) Reply
  The commissioner is speaking the truth! Mitch needs to tell his leader to fund the police properly. If the police does not have adequate man power what miracle does he expect the commissioner to pull off?? Hit the PREMEIR and your PARTY hard and tell them to stop spending recklessly and use the money on priority areas like national security! Stop playing politics!
  - please (26/02/2017, 10:38) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    The East End Police Station has one vehicle, disgraceful. Mitch needs to address the real issue. I understand that the police budget has been significantly cut by this government. What does he expect. Who cuts budget for essential offices.
  - Jack-B-Quik (26/02/2017, 21:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    AMEN!!!!!!!!!!
lil boy cant do a big man's job (25/02/2017, 21:13) Like (24) Dislike (9) Reply
pure mouth
alvin's fan club (25/02/2017, 21:14) Like (23) Dislike (11) Reply
ALVIN DID A BETTER JOB
Really?!? (25/02/2017, 21:18) Like (50) Dislike (6) Reply
Look at the facts! The government aren't providing enough funds for the CGB POLICE station to remain open..... Mitch - look to your friends in the suits... don't blame the white man just because you can - fight for a bigger police budget and maybe that will help.
- @ Really (25/02/2017, 21:49) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
  I think everybody’s happy Hon Mitch finally took spoke out
  - Agree (26/02/2017, 07:18) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    Glad that he spoke out yes! But he needs to direct his concerns to those controlling the budget.
Law Abiding citizen (25/02/2017, 21:26) Like (41) Dislike (8) Reply
Mitch. Look at your corrupt and neglectful government before you criticize others. You and your opaque government should be ashamed of your record. I truly hope the U.K. disciplines you and the other dishonorable members.
west (25/02/2017, 21:37) Like (10) Dislike (14) Reply
ok then Mitch you probably waited too long, to put him in his place
- @west (26/02/2017, 20:45) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
  for real Mitch tell Mack get cracking and up to full speed.....otherwise he belong on the next British airways
Eagle Eye (25/02/2017, 21:42) Like (34) Dislike (6) Reply
This novice need to go ask Mr. ZZZZZZZ to provide the money to keep the station open
Outlaw (25/02/2017, 21:50) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
Will Mitch all you have to do is go there daily and provide the service for your people, utilize it as your constituency office. All the man is saying is that he doesn't have the man power. Before there was a CGBPS that whole area was maned by WE and RT police. You should have more important issues to deal with than making noise about a closed police station. If you don't want to pay for the building, give it up
wize up (25/02/2017, 22:31) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
I have a simple question(some fool will blog that I am against the police)...why the members of the public are not hearing from the commissioner of police about the many unsolved murders and the many unsolved gun crimes and the rise in violent crime upon him taking up office; the good man continues to open speak on other issues however the hurting families of our territory needs answers but your commissioner spending valuable time defending petty matters: why some of us don't ask the UK/governor for funding for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.....
- Hmmm.... (26/02/2017, 13:57) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
  @wize up
  Our own people who know who these criminals are don't want to come forward to assist our police and now you want to make it seem like all of this only just started after the COP arrived. Nonsense! Crime has been this way for some time now and unless we get together as a community, it will only get worse. Police can only do so much.
  - wize up (27/02/2017, 12:22) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    @ Hmmmm: I know of persons that shared info with the police only to have bad experiences (read between the lines)....
  - wize up (27/02/2017, 14:37) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    @ Hmmmmm: just a follow up(how often do you see the police patrolling your village) go through Road Town which is the capital of the BVI(tell me how many police you see) the presence of police officers/law enforcement is a deterrent for crime: we have crime now because the police do not patrol: when you see police out in numbers is after an accident or out in numbers following a robbery or shooting: I have nothing against police(I was a police BUT back then we had to patrol day, night, rainfall or sunshine)...2 of us walked the beat(just 2 of us)....I also report crime(so don't get it twisted)
    - solution (28/02/2017, 09:28) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ Wize up: instead of criticizing the Police Force, as an old policeman, why don't you meet with the Commissioner of Police and advise how to combat the crime situation; or offer your skills to train the Police Officers on crime solving, traffic and other policing techniques. Make the BVI "Great Again."
Yes (25/02/2017, 22:39) Like (28) Dislike (2) Reply
So Mitch criticizes the COP for not producing out of thin air. What you gave him some magic beans?

Please look back at your buddies and their chronic underfunding of the police and ask them why? 83 mill on a cruise pier, 100 million on an unfinished dysfunctional hospital, and 15 mill on roads that can't finish! and guess what? not enough funding to keep the CGB Police Station open....smh please go back to politics school! or keep your seat
tola (25/02/2017, 23:01) Like (8) Dislike (36) Reply
How come hw talking about this that going on so.long you got wait until something happen to hear them strupes NDP need to go
Banjo (25/02/2017, 23:35) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
Put some immigration and customs officers in dey
Really? (26/02/2017, 01:23) Like (30) Dislike (2) Reply
If the Police Force was PROPERLY funded then there should be no problem Hon Lawmaker. The issue IS NOT the Commissioner or his remarks, it is the Government. Like duh..
Tortola's Finest (26/02/2017, 03:03) Like (32) Dislike (0) Reply
So all the time the station was closed, you as the rep didn't know? It took this to be brought out by a mishap for you to know that the station was clothed for majority of the day and all night? That is very worrying. Even worse, after being asked countlessly for a bigger budget for the RVIPF your colleagues have yet again cut the budget. You should be ashamed for attacking the Commissioner in any form because unlike Morris he is doing all he can with the half a$$ resources and the shortage of officers to do the work. You are just another puppet in there to make up the numbers because aside from other things you do for your district, as a politician you are not adding any value elsewhere. You silence is being taken as agreeing with the wrong the NDP doing. Now you want to blame the commissioner for yet another downfall. That is really baffling
- Pay attention (26/02/2017, 13:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
  He has been speaking about this issue now to three different commissioners. I'm so glad he posts things on the social media to let us know what he is doing.
Jack B Honest (26/02/2017, 03:13) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
Standing up and Fighting for your district is a good thing. The country got much bigger issues need standing up and fighting for also. The only 3 seats I see NDP winning next election are Dr. Pickering. Marlon. anf Alvera, That Airport money will bring east and long look NDP victory. Mr. Turnbull next election won't be about district it will be about change. Here are your choices, 1/ Stay with NDP and build it up for 1923 election or ump on the third party bus.
Street Reporter Solution report (26/02/2017, 03:45) Like (22) Dislike (2) Reply
Government spend about 5_ 6, 7 millions annually on rent. How about using some that rent money to build our own.. Use 1 million to build a 3 bedroom police station in Cane Garden Bay. Use 5 million yo build a 3 storage building on their land by qwomar to house immigration, Customs and labour.. How about using prospect waste of time hotel to house The Post office and thr technicall school. These are long terms investment that will benefit the BVI .Cut back in renting. Help ease parking and traffic in town.....Don't blame NDP for all our problems. What did VIP did? They were in power all these years when the economy was better and more money were flowing.. Can someone show me or tell me?
- True (26/02/2017, 09:05) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
  Street Reporter you need to check your balance sheet, last time I heard it was $6 million alone for the government offices never mind all the other buildings....
  - Grumpy (26/02/2017, 10:42) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Not if TRUMP build it!!! Come in under budget and ahead of time. I know not many in BVI like him, but that is the trouble hear. Need a real business man to do it right. Just watch what happen in USA in next 8 years.
zone 2 (26/02/2017, 06:25) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
I with Mitch hope this cop is not a racist
- Curly (26/02/2017, 10:17) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
  Seriously
Ya me born (26/02/2017, 07:29) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
The man just reach and they making he scapegoat.. Money and resources are what the man needs ...come on man do better than that... give the man the tools he need to run the police department
man about town (26/02/2017, 07:46) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
I HAVE SEEN THE NEED FOR THE REOPENING OF CANE BAY STATION. HOWEVER THE SITTING COP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE POLICE FORCE AND IS ANSWERABLE TO HIS EXCELLENT. MR. MORRIS AND HIS DEPUTY IS TO BE BLASTED FOR THEIR NONSENSE. SOME PEOPLE WANT MY BOSS TO FAIL BUT UNDER MY WATCH. HON. TURNBULL MORRIS WAS THE ONE TO BLAST BUT EVERYONE SAT THERE AND ALLOW HIM TO ESCAPE. PLEASE COP MATTHEW IS DOING GOOD FOR NOW SO LEAVE HIM ALONE.
justice (26/02/2017, 08:53) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
If you have nothing to say to your people, rather than speaking nonsense say nothing.What does a manned police station do for the public
True (26/02/2017, 09:03) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
The blowheart from the district complaining because a post on Facebook got some likes, this guy like the full NDP(and I used to support them) are a joke. To pay consultants for dodgy back handed reports that are not needed more than the FULL BUDGET before your friends cut it by 48% is the answer as to why crime is rising in the BVI.
money money (26/02/2017, 09:17) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
The cost is over $5000. to keep the station. Why not give it up.,the tax payers are paying out big bucks every month for the no use of the station
Brewing Disrespectful Members (26/02/2017, 10:14) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
All you elected members too disrespectful. Mitch the same Commissioner can arrest you and your colleagues for any wrongdoing. You are not above the law and can be reduced back to ground zero. And this a sample beginning of a rookie elected member with he behaviour when power gone to he head. If you want something done you write to the commissioner nicely. You people are too miserable and angry for no god dam reason that cannot be dealt with properly. This country has no leaders in government not one right now. Be careful some your colleagues go need the commissioner just now. What a waste of the people vote.
for your eyes only (26/02/2017, 10:16) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
McPeepers Mathews does not make the laws. But the preoccupation with seatbelts and such trival trash is a bit much.
Guns for legit self defence should be legal, but that is up to the citizens to adjust any such laws. There is alot of
bad behaviour around, that you can't pass laws against. A lot of scamming and hateful behaviour. The people have
to tend to these things themselves. Once public safety problem is these stupid speed bumps every where. Should
be removed. Incredible what goes on in the Riteway parking lot in town. That should get police attention.
Sawda (26/02/2017, 12:12) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
Let's be honest with ourselves, if Mitch can't get his Minister to supply toilet paper in one of the school in his District "Cheap Toilet Paper" How the hell he is going to get all that money for the police station..That boy needs to let sleeping dogs lie before that English man continue to attack us..Tell ya Premier who ain't wake up from his dream yet to do better..
VG (26/02/2017, 12:46) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
You can't say nothing to these NDP blast you they need to go
voiceofthevoiceless (26/02/2017, 13:35) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
Let me see hmm; 32 million overruns at Pier Park, 30 Plus overruns at Hospital, 1million dollar wall, 30 million ( 15 from SSB and 15 from CDB) spent on roads yet to see the value of that and we could go on and on? The Commissioner did not mismanage the funds. The Commissioner is not the one who failed to identify the right priorities. Sounds to me like Mitch is barking up the wrong tree. Woof Woof.
- Agree (26/02/2017, 14:10) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
  Mitch needs to take a chill pill. He needs to get his young strong supporters in his district to stop what they doing under that tree. It is ridiculous and all the boats going over to Cooper and none to CGB because of some of those same young men. The marinas saying beware of Cane Garden Bay. Instead of blasting the commish, blast them young boys and clean up that area. You have a strong clean up campaign group, let me see your committee there doing that clean up so that persons can feel safe coming into your beloved district.
the rock (26/02/2017, 16:29) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
The winner of the Oscar for blasting others and not his own government is Hon Mitch Turnbull.
zone 2 (26/02/2017, 17:06) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
Because as good B V Islanders we all know that certain people should be restricted in regards to speech and political views. Just to be politically correctly.
police (26/02/2017, 18:22) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
young man, stop making yourself an @$$ for these waste of time politician, they keep cutting the police budget, no money to recruit new officers, the commissioner is right, buildings cant police a state, it takes human recourse to do so, a police station open with one police in there, what sense does it make, these waste of time in this NDP government, half if not all of them needs to be in HMP, oh i realize none of them showed up for the police week church service, but who surprise, i was not expecting to see none of them either, their absence was much better anyway, i dont think nobody miss them, if they had showed up and anyone of them decide to give remarks i would step outside until they finish. no good waste of time.
Caramel (26/02/2017, 18:44) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
First of all why pay thousands in rent for a building that's not being used. Give up the building.
Mm1 (26/02/2017, 18:53) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
This young man means well but speak as if he is under pressure to perform. The COP is of the opinion after speaking to him personally, that his Officers should not stay close up in a building and is not visible to the public. He also feels that they should close the Stations and patrol more often. I agree with the COP a building regardless to how nice it cannot Police a country. The Police budget has been drastically reduced over the years crimes have increased. Young man where were you when the robberies and murders raged here? Did you visit the victims or even speak out against these crimes?One of your colleagues was seen posing on Facebook with a murderer days before he was sentenced...something that could not of happened in no other country without any form of caution. I just can't wait to vote again. Speak about the real issues in Cane Garden Bay.
Windy Hill (26/02/2017, 20:41) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
Yeah bwoy...Mitch aint no dead weight baggage! He fighting for we
hello!1 (26/02/2017, 20:52) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
to much pronouncements . Let's wait for action . .Dr Smith, Myron and Mark first to go.....
tola (26/02/2017, 21:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
Young Turnbull you need to pull up your socks too.
waste of money (26/02/2017, 22:42) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
The station is not needed in CGB. In my opinion its a waste of tax payer's money. The West End Police Station is right over the hill from CGB and they can provided the relevant service required to commute through the community and keep the area safe. I don't understand, this government is continuously crying that funds are low and although they keep pointing this out, they are constantly allowing the tax payers to suffer because of their egos. I personally am tired of the way the NDP Government continues to manage the affairs of this country. They are the reason our country is becoming so uncomfortable. The commissioner of police knows what he is talking about. The old people say, "only who in the kitchen feels the heat!" So Mr. Mitch, please find something else to talk about. I would be very upset if they reopen that station. As a matter of fact, if the government is still paying rent for the building they need to stop. That money can be used for something else.
voter (27/02/2017, 22:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
having a snap election now would be time and resources better spent in the interests of the public.

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Hon Turnbull blasts CoP Matthews over CGB Police Station

52 Responses to “Hon Turnbull blasts CoP Matthews over CGB Police Station”

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