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by pltm
(PLTM) - Residents of Cane Garden Bay (CGB) are up to their necks when it comes to the lack of police presence in the area, according to one resident.
In speaking to residents of the area, BVI Platinum News was informed that for months, the police station in the area has been operating similar to a government office, where the station is opened from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays and is closed on weekends. Persons are met by a sign on the door of the Cane Garden Bay Police Station, which instructs that they call the West End Police Station for any assistance.
This has been an ongoing issue for months, informed one resident, who noted that the arrangement is not one with the residents in mind.
“When something big happens and no police there, then and only then will they really step up to fix the issue. Calling West End Station for them to come all the way here is ridiculous and these police already don’t like traveling far,” said Mrs. Hughes, a resident of the area.
Another resident said, “We need our own. Something can happen; coming to the station and no one there and they asking us to call West End and West End have their own problems. It’s not working. Why Cane Garden Bay?”
CGB residents have also expressed concern with the upcoming tourist season.
“Tourist season coming up. We all know how the beach is during that time; full. What we supposed to do? What the tourists supposed to do? God forbid something happen and no one will be here; what then?”
BVI Platinum News reached out to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) on the matter. The force explained that the issue exists due to the force being understaffed, which obstructs the resource levels to keep both the West End and Cane Garden Bay stations open 24/7.
Due to these circumstances, the RVIPF further noted that a mobile unit is on constant patrol in CGB, along with their assurance to respond to calls for service promptly.
“The mobile presence would help to prevent crimes and in most cases, reduce response time. The district is large and there are challenges covering the same. It would be more efficient to deploy two mobile units to the district, but there is also a shortage of vehicles in the force.”
The RVIPF also noted that in regards to the heavy traffic of tourists through the area during the tourist season, efforts and security will be increased.
“During the peak season and days that there are increased arrivals from the cruise ships, additional resources from other districts are used to assist in policing the district, in managing traffic and providing visible reassurance patrols in the area.”
Representative for the Second District, Hon. Melvin M. Turnbull also chimed in on the matter, noting that it is a very passionate one to him.
Hon. Turnbull disclosed to BVI Platinum News that he already has a meeting scheduled with the Commissioner of Police to see how best the matter can be resolved.
“It is a situation where we have to work through this issue and discuss to see how best we can address this matter.”
He said, “Not just for the tourist season, but overall for the safety and protection of the people in the Cane Garden Bay area and surrounding areas.”
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