Law enforcement needs to do its job, stop human smuggling - Skelton-Cline
Questions for the CoP
“I got to call my good friend, Commissioner Matthews, because I need him to answer some questions. Because also we are hearing in tandem in all of this, is that the ongoing trafficking, smuggling, back and forth on our borders!” he said during his show on ZBVI 780AM on Thursday, August 20, 2020.
He continued: “We have a joint task force of which the Commissioner of Police is responsible for. Commissioner Matthews we are going to need you to explain to us what exactly is taking place? What is happening out there? Do you have the resources you need? Do you have the manpower you need? Because clearly there are some people who are taking a calculated risk and it can’t be a case where we are just reckless, what is it that is happening? Who is complicit along these lines? Why are we not capturing, how are persons moving back and forth?”
Community spread of virus
The commentator pointed out that the Territory can ill-afford to have an outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus Disease, pointing out that: “We need law enforcement to you do y’all job.”
Coincidentally, Mr Skelton-Cline’s comments came a day before 9 new COVID-19 cases were announced in the Territory. The cases have all been related to community spread.
Since the borders closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, officers from the Customs, Immigration and Police joined forces to form a joint task force to patrol the porous borders.
Sea borders on 24-hour patrol & watch
Despite this new task force and added available human resources, persons have reportedly still able to enter illegally, putting residents at risk.
Meanwhile, Health Minister, Hon Carvin Malone (AL) announced on August 21, 2020, that effective immediately the sea borders are under 24-hour patrol and watch at all points to protect the lives and livelihoods of our people.
“Once again we strongly urge all members of the public to comply with all established health and safety protocols and dial 311 to report any suspicion or evidence of people smuggling into the Territory. If you are engaged in illegal movement of persons, once again stop. It endangers lives, it hurts our community, you will be caught and you will be persecuted,” Hon Malone warned.
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54 Responses to “Law enforcement needs to do its job, stop human smuggling - Skelton-Cline”
My take to solve the smuggling is this . Who came in illegally have to know who brought them in. So if they will not fork up the name, then do the time for that person along with yours. TEN X 2 = 20 YRS no PAROLE. NEXT CASE
I agree with 100%. well said. The law and Courts need to read your idea on this .
they have back if them
The island people actually staying put but it's the locals misbehaving. So please my fellow BVI Landers do the right thing, for once.
I suggest that the legislature's repeal and ammend the Public Health Act and increase the penalties.
Mr. Talk show host come of the law enforcement Officers and for God in heaven sake go sit down.
If one should recall when the commissioner and his team went to arrest Bishop John Cline at Cane Garden Bay Baptiste church for breaking the curfew , there was an uproar against the commissioner. However, at this point in time Claude Cline is calling on the same commissioner to make bread out of stone. We must be consistent with what we say and do. What is good for Peter must be good for Paul. I am hoping that the entire task force will act swiftly and arrest the perpetrators. I know some will be surprised when the culprits are caught. This COVID-19 will not be controlled unless ALL the residents and visitors act responsibly.
Not a big bay and the police so happen to be behind their desk when the boats arrive!
The current head of police need to be replaced: run quick and talk that
Gus and mick just boast about their fancy bvi lifestyle on their social media they need to stop posting and start working!
On another matter the marine base needs a good clean up.
Leadership matters in that since 2017 the hurricanes came and yes you waiting on RDA to clean. RDA will built a new building but at least PWD with their equipment could move the old cars and boats. I don't know how the officers work in that environment.
The media needs to investigate. Procurement unit should be call in to sell old items.