Sergeant Bakker is now Barrister O’Neal Bakker after his success at England’s tough legal requirements to be eligible.

He is among a select few who has reached this accomplishment as a serving officer of the RVIPF.

Commissioner of Police Michael B. Matthews and other senior and junior ranks of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) gathered yesterday at the Road Town Station to celebrate the accomplishment of Mr Bakker.

Both the Commissioner and Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who was also in attendance, shared their delight at being able to play a part in helping Sergeant Bakker to realise his dream.

Other RVIPF officers encouraged to advance themselves

Hon Wheatley equally shared his Ministry’s support to any within the ranks who wish to advance themselves as the Sergeant has.

Mr Bakker previously acquired a Bachelors and Masters in law.

Former Chief Inspector Verne Browne, a barrister himself, encouraged other officers to prepare themselves for the future in his remarks, according to a press release from the RVIPF today, March 26, 2021.

At the ceremony which also included family and friends, Barrister O’Neal said it was a bumpy six-year journey to achieving this milestone, including weathering the hurricanes of 2017, the COVID pandemic and juggling his commitments both to the RVIPF and at home.

He shared his gratitude to the many who encouraged him through the journey particularly his wife and his supervisors, Chief Inspectors Selwyn Rock and Louis Buckley and Inspector Kevin Joseph.

At the ceremony, both Officers Rock and Buckley were also celebrated for their recent promotions as Chief Inspectors.