Governor John Duncan speaks to reporters after a Thursday afternoon National Security Council meeting, telling the media that he will exercise his constitutional powers to withdraw money from government’s consolidated fund for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. Photo: KEN SILVA

On Friday, Premier Dr. Orlando Smith issued a public statement in response to Governor John Duncan’s announcement a day earlier that he is exercising his constitutional authority to withdraw money from government’s consolidated fund for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.

Dr. Smith said he found Mr. Duncan’s action to be “regrettable,” and that his administration has always been committed to providing the police with the funding they need.

The premier pointed out that while the RVIPF operational budget may be $800,000 less than it was in 2012, its overall budget saw a $770,000 increase from last year.

“I am not aware of any instance, that any request to render financial assistance to the police, sanctioned by myself, Cabinet or the National Security Council has ever been rejected,” he said.

 

 

 

Guv to exercise power over gov’t coffers

Within 24 hours of an impromptu press conference held at around 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, Governor John Duncan plans to exercise his constitutional power to withdraw money from government’s consolidated fund to address what he called a shortfall in funding for national security.

Governor John Duncan speaks to reporters after a Thursday afternoon National Security Council meeting, telling the media that he will exercise his constitutional powers to withdraw money from government’s consolidated fund for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. Photo: KEN SILVA
Mr. Duncan made the announcement on the front lawn of the Central Administration Building following a National Security Council meeting that included him, Premier Dr. Orlando Smith, Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering, and Police Commissioner Michael Matthews.

Mr. Duncan declined to say how much he plans to withdraw in total, but he explained that he will direct $800,000 to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. That will make up for a shortfall in the RVIPF’s operational budget, which was $800,000 larger in 2012 than it is now, he said.

Mr. Matthew also spoke to reporters, saying that the money will be used for training officers, purchasing additional equipment, and bringing in more murder detectives from the United Kingdom.

The commissioner explained that the UK detectives will be brought here on a short-term basis and used to help investigate the recent murders in the territory.

Mr. Duncan is exercising his power under section 103 of the Virgin Islands Constitution, which permits the governor to withdraw funds to fulfil his responsibilities such as defence, internal security, and the operation of the courts.

Dr. Pickering walked out of the administration building while reporters were speaking with Mr. Matthews, and did not stay to take questions.

Dr. Smith did not appear outside of the complex. When a reporter called the Premier’s Office to ask if he would address the media, the reporter was told that Dr. Smith had already left.

Attempts to reach Communications Director Arliene Penn were not immediately successful.

See the March 30, 2017 edition for full coverage.

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