Police contend with disobedient domino players, curfew breakers
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported having to use non-lethal force to discourage residents who have been having illegal gatherings that flout the government’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool said in a police statement on Tuesday that “despite the present public health warnings, persons around the territory are still gathering around domino tables, at their favourite watering holes and outdoor spots”.
She said one officer had to discharge pepper spray in the vicinity to disperse well in excess of a dozen individuals that had gathered around a domino game in East End after his direct order was disobeyed.
The individuals disbanded temporarily but returned an hour later to continue their game so establishments are also now being penalised.
But the police said there have been other kinds of breaches.
“We are also seeing persons travelling by boat during the curfew hours of 7 pm to 5 am. The restrictions of movement around the territory applies to both vehicle and boat traffic. If you are out and about after 7 pm without a new July 2021 police-issued pass, you will be arrested for violation of the Curfew Order,” the Acting Deputy Commissioner stated.
“Those who possess the new passes must have them in hand along with identification. One person’s failure to act according to the law affects all of us,” Vanterpool added.
She said one officer had to discharge pepper spray in the vicinity to disperse well in excess of a dozen individuals that had gathered around a domino game in East End after his direct order was disobeyed.
The individuals disbanded temporarily but returned an hour later to continue their game so establishments are also now being penalised.
But the police said there have been other kinds of breaches.
“We are also seeing persons travelling by boat during the curfew hours of 7 pm to 5 am. The restrictions of movement around the territory applies to both vehicle and boat traffic. If you are out and about after 7 pm without a new July 2021 police-issued pass, you will be arrested for violation of the Curfew Order,” the Acting Deputy Commissioner stated.
“Those who possess the new passes must have them in hand along with identification. One person’s failure to act according to the law affects all of us,” Vanterpool added.
