Royal Virgin Islands Police

🚦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬

This week, we want to highlight an important reminder:
Some videos may be funny, but the fines are real... and they have increased.

Traffic Tuesdays is designed to raise awareness of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 and encourage safer driving habits throughout the Virgin Islands.

We encourage all motorists to take note of the offences highlighted each week and familiarise themselves with the updated legislation now in effect.

𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘄. 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲.

Read the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 at https://laws.gov.vg/laws/road-traffic-amendment-act-2025

Drive responsibly. Keep our roads safe.

𝗘𝗻𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The RVIPF Community Policing Unit recently welcomed 68 students from Enis Adams Primary School to the Road Town Police Station for an educational tour of various policing departments.

Students learned about the work of the Beat and Patrol Division, Roads Policing Unit, Scenes of Crime, Forensics, K9 Unit, Intelligence Unit, and the Control Room. They also enjoyed a drone demonstration by the Intelligence Unit, showcasing how technology supports modern policing.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity for students to learn more about law enforcement while strengthening positive relationships between the Police and the community.

We're introducing something NEW to YOU on FRIDAY!

The Royal Virgin Islands will perform the traditional rolling rifle salute, the Feu De Joie, using blank rounds.

Come join us at the King's Birthday Parade!

Friday 12th June, 2026
Queen Elizabeth II Park | 8:30 AM

Police Information Office - Press Release
Thursday 4th June 2026

𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗣𝗙 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗗 - The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has removed yet another illegal firearm along with ammunition from circulation.

The latest recovery occurred on Friday 29th May, following a rapid police response in the Road Town area after reports of suspected gunfire.

Officers who were in the vicinity responded immediately and observed a male acting suspiciously. The individual was detained and searched, resulting in the recovery of a G***k 17 handgun fitted with an extended magazine with 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The firearm was subsequently secured, and the suspect was arrested and taken into police custody.

Charged is Shakhoy Penn, 29 of Scatliffe Alley for Possession of a Prohibited Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Explosives. He remains in custody awaiting his appearance at the Magistrate's Court.

This latest seizure marks the eighth firearm recovered by the RVIPF so far this year. Since the start of he year, officers have recovered two fi****ms in January, two in March, one in April, and three in May. Some of these recoveries resulted in arrests and charges that have been previously publicised, while others were recovered during proactive policing operations with no suspect identified at the time.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the officers involved in the recoveries and emphasized the Force's continued commitment to removing illegal fi****ms from the streets.

"Every firearm removed from circulation represents a potential act of violence prevented. It is particularly concerning that some of these weapons qualify as prohibited weapons because they were modified to operate as automatic firing. The continued recovery of illegal weapons demonstrates the vigilance of our officers and our unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe. We encourage members of the public to continue sharing information with the police, as community support remains vital in our efforts to combat gun-related crime."

The RVIPF continues to urge anyone with information regarding illegal fi****ms or criminal activity to contact the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477 (TIPS), or overseas at 284-800-8477.

Police Information Office - Press Release
Wednesday 3rd June 2026

𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗣𝗙 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗨𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 - The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is offering a reward of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for information leading to the successful capture and arrest of two escaped fugitives, Jose Almestica and John Burgos, both residents of the United States Virgin Islands.

The two men unlawfully escaped from His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, Tortola, on 25th October 2025 and have since evaded law enforcement. They remain at large and are actively being sought.
At the time of their escape, Jose Almestica was serving a sentence of six (6) years for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He had also been found guilty by a nine-member jury in October 2025 for four (4) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm, one (1) count of Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, three (3) counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosives and two (2) counts of Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Supply. He was awaiting sentencing for these offences.

Additionally, Almestica is awaiting trial in relation to the 2021 murder of Deverson Williams at Fish Bay, Tortola. He is further wanted by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands for serious offences, including First-degree Murder, Second-degree Murder, and Assault.

John Burgos was remanded to His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut, on charges relating to fi****ms, ammunition, and drug possession. He is also wanted for questioning by the United States Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) in connection with a 2023 murder investigation.

Both men are considered armed and extremely dangerous. Members of the public are strongly advised not to approach either individual under any circumstances.

The RVIPF is urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of these fugitives to come forward. Persons can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9512 or provide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 284-800-8477 from overseas.

The safety of our communities remains a top priority. As long as these fugitives remain at large, there is an ongoing risk to public safety. Even the smallest piece of information could prove critical in locating and apprehending these individuals.

Connection, Conversation, and Community were at the heart of the RVIPF Community Policing Unit’s recent engagement initiative held in East End on Friday 29th May.

Officers and community members came together for an evening of positive interaction and open dialogue to strengthen relationships between the Police and the public.

During the event, Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool and Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Kenrick Davis highlighted the importance of community policing, public trust, and partnership in crime prevention and building safer communities.

The Community Policing Unit extends sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the initiative. Special thanks to Mr. A. Chalwell of Frozen Imports, RiteWay Food Markets, Digicel BVI, Acting Sergeant Tashema Smith-Ramprashad, Chief Inspector Israel Sergeant, Inspector Beverly James, Angelica Chalwell, and Chef Dora for their generous support and valuable contributions.

Gratitude is also extended to all officers, volunteers, supporters, and behind-the-scenes contributors whose dedication helped make the event a success.

Together, we continue building trust, partnership, and safer communities.