Throne Speech: VI Gov’t looking to modernise police force
In the speech delivered by the Governor of the Virgin Islands (VI) at the Fifth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom, Tortola on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, the updated legislation will also provide a strong constitutional and professional base for a modernised police force.
“Supporting the proposed Act would represent a positive and measured response to the current crime and community challenges facing the Virgin Islands and provide a real opportunity for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to emerge as a leading police force in the region,” Governor John J. Rankin, CMG added.
The Government will also move to amend the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act, 1997 to make provisions consistent with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, particularly as it relates to the Civil forfeiture of proceeds of crime.
The Speech from the Throne, which
highlights the legislative agenda of the Government of the Virgin
Islands, is writen by the government of the day and delivered by the
Governor.
Witness Anonymity Legislation to come
Further, he added that the Witness Anonymity Legislation will be brought forward to ensure the protection of witnesses and the preservation of their rights by making provisions for a court to make a witness anonymity order to protect the witness's safety, prevent damage to property, and prevent real harm to the public interest.
The Governor added that the new legislation would be an invaluable tool in assisting with combating serious crime and, at the same time, it would also help to bolster public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Governor Rankin said the Fifth Session of the House of Assembly is focused on bringing forward legislation in the context of "Resilience, Revenue, Reform, and Recovery: The Virgin Islands in Transition."
He added that the theme is aligned with the 2023 Budget Address and its strategic objectives and outcomes of Government agencies.
