In a time of tight budgets and increased concern about drug trafficking in Virgin Islands waters, lawmakers earmarked more than half a million dollars over seven years for a police plane that doesn’t fly.
VP-LAW, a 1976 Piper Navajo owned by the police, has been grounded since 2006. After years of unsuccessful attempts to repair the plane, Cabinet and the territory’s National Security Council have agreed in principle to fund a new aircraft, David Morris, the acting police commissioner, said in an Aug. 21 interview.
“It’s just not cost-effective in terms of the repairs required,” Mr. Morris said of the current plane’s problems.
Officials are still considering which type of plane would be best to purchase and which government agency should be responsible for operating and maintaining it, he added.
No decisions have been finalised, but the acting commissioner hopes that a request can be placed in next year’s budget.
“There has been recognition and agreement: To effectively operate in the territory we do need air support,” he said.
See the Aug. 30, 2012 edition for full coverage.
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