"It has become obvious, that a very small minority of people are still intent on trying to smuggle goods or persons backwards or forwards into the Territory from locations outside, particularly the US Virgin Islands," Mr Matthews said in a social media PSA released Friday, August 21, 2020.

"This must stop, this is placing our communities at risk, it is placing my officers at risk."

He said as a result, the RVIPF is working with Her Majesty's Customs and the Immigration Service in a unified task force to patrol the sea and land, watching the VI's borders on a 24/7 basis.

No breaching of borders for any reason - ToP CoP

"Our borders remain closed, please do not attempt to try and breach the borders, whether it be for shopping, for meeting someone or just generally going out for a sail, you are putting us at risk. I ask your co-operation in keeping the Territory safe," he said.

The Top CoP further urged, "If you see something, please say something" by ringing the police control room at 311 on suspicion of human smuggling or persons contravening the closed borders.

"Please do not take risks and allow others to take risks with your lives and the lives of my officers, let's all work together to keep our community safe," Mr Matthews urged.

On August 21, 2020, the Territory confirmed 9 new cases of COVID-19 linked to a 12th case of the virus in an individual with no recent travel history, bringing the total confirmed cases in the VI to 21.

Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Mr Michael B. Matthews has blasted persons engaging in human smuggling and has urged members of the Virgin Islands community to report instances of such.