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by pltm
(PLTM) - Governor John Rankin has reiterated that the content of the video entitled, “Police in Paradise” was inappropriate in portraying the Virgin Islands’ reality.
Governor Rankin in relation to this noted that, “It should not have come into the public domain, and I regret the fact that it did.”
However, in press conference on July 1, Governor Rankin asserted that he accepts the apology issued by Commissioner of Police, Mark Collins.
Collins in his apology stated, “I am saddened by the actions taken to bring me and the Force into disgrace. I am even more disheartened that the people of this Territory have to endure additional distress and trauma in this already very difficult time. I offer apologies on my behalf and that of the Royal Virgin Police Force.”
Governor Rankin stated that while he does not have specific details, he believes that consultations with the BVI Tourist Board regarding the production the video were undertaken.
Governor Rankin also mentioned that “If any crime was committed, that should be investigated properly, but I’ve got no evidence to believe that it did, but if there is evidence to that effect, it should obviously be looked into.”
The Rankin also said, “The lesson to be learned from this is that, in the modern age, as soon as something gets put on a video, and its available electronically, the risk of it being more widely available is high.”
However, since the circulation of the video, there has been public outrage stemming from the “inappropriateness” of the video in addition to its circulation. This notion that the video, which featured graphic crime scenes, portrayed a distorted view of the Virgin Islands was corroborated by the business community, the general public, and government officials.
To this end, several persons were requesting the immediate resignation of Commissioner of Police, Mark Collins based on the view that he was unsuitable to continue in his capacity as top cop.
However, since the apology was issued by Collins, there has been no further public engagement on the matter by the commissioner nor the Governor who is responsible for the Territory’s security agencies.
