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New Gov’t funded police boat ‘Midnight Justice’ launched

– Premier Fahie-led Government shows it is serious about law enforcement
The new police boat, powered by three (3) 400 horsepower outboard engines, is named ‘Midnight Justice’. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, and Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr at the launch of the new police boat ‘Midnight Justice’ on December 2, 2020. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), left, and Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr at the launch of the new police boat ‘Midnight Justice’ on December 2, 2020. Photo: VINO
‘Midnight Justice’ is capable of intercepting high powered vessels on the sea. Photo: VINO
‘Midnight Justice’ is capable of intercepting high powered vessels on the sea. Photo: VINO
Yesterday, December 2, 2020, a new police boat funded by the Andrew A. Fahie (R1) led Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government was launched at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Marine Shore Base at Road Reef, Tortola. Photo: VINO
Yesterday, December 2, 2020, a new police boat funded by the Andrew A. Fahie (R1) led Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government was launched at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Marine Shore Base at Road Reef, Tortola. Photo: VINO
The acquisition of the new police boat brings the fleet of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to two. Photo: VINO
The acquisition of the new police boat brings the fleet of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to two. Photo: VINO
ROAD REEF, Tortola, VI- With eyes on the policing of the territory’s borders due to activities of illegal entry, human smuggling and drug-running even in this pandemic, the Government of the Virgin Islands continues to fight back.

Yesterday, December 2, 2020, a new police boat funded by the Andrew A. Fahie (R1) led Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government was launched at the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Marine Shore Base at Road Reef.

The boat, powered by three (3) 400 horsepower outboard engines, is named ‘Midnight Justice’.

Among these at the launching were Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr and Acting Commissioner Alwin James.

‘Gov’t serious about law enforcement’

Premier Fahie said: “As your government, we are very serious about law enforcement, we continue to show that with our investment in law enforcement whether it be into the police, whether it be into customs, whether it be into immigration because we know that security is very important.”

Governor Jaspert, who is responsible for border protection, thanked everyone for playing a part in acquiring the new boat.

“It is absolutely that we are all here today to build on our success, to enhance the assets that our territory has to protect all of us, to reinforce the importance that we place and I am grateful to all who have made this moment a success.”

‘Vision was embraced by Premier’s Office’- Acting CoP Alwin James

Acting Commissioner of Police Mr Alwin James expressed happiness that Government has embraced the vision to invest in the Police Marine Branch, putting it on solid footing to be able to meet the challenges of patrolling territorial waters -- that extend from Anegada to Jost van Dyke.

“Within that vision is the need to be able to respond to the emergency needs of our many visitors in this tourist season who will be on the same waters with the borders now reopening.”

Commending Premier Fahie, Mr James said, “That vision was embraced by the Premier’s Office through the Department of Finance, who approved the finances to purchase ‘Midnight Justice’. Even after approving the initial sum to purchase the boat, additional funds were required to outfit it with equipment that would enhance the effectiveness of its operations and the Premier again demonstrated his commitment to border security.”

Mr James added that the new vessel is capable of intercepting high-powered vessels on the sea.

“This is obviously necessary when those responsible for illegal smuggling, whatever the commodity is, are equipping themselves to out-race law enforcement,” Mr James said.

19 Responses to “New Gov’t funded police boat ‘Midnight Justice’ launched”

  • Bay Boy (03/12/2020, 10:40) Like (38) Dislike (3) Reply
    WHY WOULD YOU LET THE PUBLIC KNOW THE POWER OF THE BOAT. THAT SHOULD BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL. NOW THE BAD GUYS KNOW HOW MUCH POWER THEY NEED TO OUT RUN THE POLICE. TOO MUCH INFORMATION. THE ENGINES SHOULD BE JUST PAINTED WITH NO HORSE POWER INFO.
    • horse power display does not matter (03/12/2020, 17:26) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      Real boat people would be able to tell what horse power the engines are even without it being written on the engine covers. Also Midnight Express boats are not designed for speed , they are designed for luxury performance . So this boat will not be able to keep up with anything doing 100 mph on the water . So the reality is this boat can not run down a real go fast boat. So not displaying what horse power the engines are does not matter .
  • Nice (03/12/2020, 10:56) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
    very good but try work towards given border control officers vessels that they can stay safely out on the water for a few days....similar to what us coast guard uses

    take some of that dope money being confiscated and spend it towards upgrading border controls

    get serious about this matter because poor enforcement is crippling the territory
  • ... (03/12/2020, 11:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Customs and port next
  • Ghost (03/12/2020, 11:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    What about the prison
    • jah know (03/12/2020, 17:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Still gonna be a wild wild west up there, no prison jump suits, still drugs and cellphones and jewelry. Those guys up there dressing fresher than those who out.
  • Servant of the "Most High" God in Christ Jesus (03/12/2020, 11:34) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    RVIPF: Good goings. Keep up the good highly valuable work for the good of this sin infested Country. My God by His merciful grace protect you and you families, and the public at large. Amen.
  • Servant of the "Most High" God in Christ Jesus (03/12/2020, 11:41) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thanks VIP Government, lead by Hon. Premier Andrew Fahie for being highky supportive of our RVIPF. Amen.
  • chosen (03/12/2020, 11:43) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Bad boy I agree with you but you don't why just to tip off their friends and the drug lords what to expect
  • Citizen (03/12/2020, 11:48) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Midnight Justice - 3 - 400 hp engines; BVI Boaters - 4 - 400 hp engines. Go figure.
    • @citizen (03/12/2020, 15:06) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Would agree with you but I figure any fast boat with 4-400 hp engines will be automatic suspects thus making policing illegal activity easier.
  • Servant of the "Most High God in Christ Jesus (03/12/2020, 11:54) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    I support the continuing venture. But if you don't mind the following probably unwelcome suggestion, I think the new Police boat should be named: Midnight light. Why? You may asked? Because this boat will become added light in the darkness of the nights. Making sence. That doesn't to have the boat light on. But rather your brains lught on. Amen.
  • Concern bviLove (03/12/2020, 12:12) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    When will the government pay the officers who have put their lives and their family at risk for the pass 10 months is going to get paid. There is so many investments that is happening but no monies for the officers. Especially those customs, immigration and Prison officers who have time and time again went beyond the call of duty. When will our local ministers stop abusing their locals. We need to be paid. What are they waiting on. I am concern for the officers. Premier you need to look into this suitation. You made a promise and still nothing.
  • Maintennance (03/12/2020, 12:43) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just hope they can keep up with maintenance. Never seems to be any budget there so them 400R’s won’t last a year.
  • chosen (03/12/2020, 12:52) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    In some countrys civilians don't allow to have nothing with more horse power or faster than the lawenforcement own
  • Stop playing politrics (03/12/2020, 14:34) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    When will we stop playing politics with the safety of the citizens of this territory. This feels like I give you water and have to brag. What happened to following God's word and doing things so you right hand doesn't know what your left hand does? Sorry not impressed. Things have been done for the betterment of this country by both local government and UK government get over and just use the investments wisely from comparing notes. That's one of the Premier's flaws that may sink him in the long run.
  • Yes (03/12/2020, 16:33) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    I'm actually impressed by this move.
    • Sorry to say, but (04/12/2020, 05:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Being accustomed to operare a vessel that could do 80 mph does not mean you are fit to operate one doing 100mph in open waters.
      Working on servicing a 150 hp outboard engine does not mean you could work on a 250 or a 300hp engine. These are the things we have to be mindful of..
      We just had so certified graduates in mechanics let's have some of them trained to fit our needs in servicing and repairs and maintenance. Prepare the youths to ta up the responsibilities from now. Just a suggestion, if you could see its merits.
  • Dtop (04/12/2020, 05:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Work at the root of the problem not the surface...clean up the curuption...fix the pipe that spills the water not try to cetch the water off the ground...in other words stop playing with the peoples life and welfare...u think the people of these islands are stupid ..and it children reading your media ..hhmmmmm.


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