‘Local police officers discriminated against’ – Attorney Richard G. Rowe
Rowe was a guest on Straight Talk, a monthly talk show hosted by Donald E. De Castro on Wednesday January 13, 2016 on ZBVI 780 AM between the hours of 8:00 and 9:00 pm.
Rowe said he has represented the Police Benevolent Association in the past and know that their efforts to form linkages with other similar associations in the Caribbean were blocked.
“I know for example that under the past Commissioner David Morris they had made efforts to have themselves affiliated with other police unions in the Caribbean but that request was denied,” he alleged.
He said the rank and file police officers from the Virgin Islands are being discriminated against as compared to police officers who have come on contract from the United Kingdom who are paid at much higher rates.
“Sergeants here are being paid less than Sergeants who come on contract,” he said, pointing to the need to have the Association linked with others from around the region.
Host of the show de Castro said if all of the Associations and other similar bodies in the territory would all get together then everyone would be united and be a stronger force to reckon with.
“Because then the government couldn’t take advantage of us,” de Castro said.
He added that for those concerned they may lose their jobs because they are on work permit, they must realise that once the probation period is over then it becomes difficult for an employer to arbitrarily fire that person.
Rowe pointed out that persons are short-changed because of not having knowledge of their rights under the Labour Code.
“If you do not have persons committed to protecting your interest and advocating for your interest at a cost you can afford, it would be far more inexpensive and more advantageous,” said Rowe.
Meanwhile, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has been without a Commissioner of Police following the departure of UK national David Morris in August 2015. Governor John S. Duncan OBE has since said he hopes to have a new commissioner in the next few months and that he would not be from the United Kingdom. He said the new Commissioner's nationality would be disclosed at a later time.
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12 Responses to “‘Local police officers discriminated against’ – Attorney Richard G. Rowe”
How has the union ever fought anything other than Donald complaining a bit? Nobody takes it seriously.