The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Immigration Department and His Majesty’s Customs have new accommodations with the newly constructed Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Marine Base.

The reimagined joint command centre was officially handed over at a ceremony on April 16. The centre was constructed following the destruction of the RVIPF Marine Base during the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

The new Marine Base features male and female barracks, vessel storage and deployment facilities, a kitchen and numerous offices. There are also provisions for aerial asset deployment among other additions that will aid in the prevention of marine based illegal activities.

Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer Jr. said, “Having a completed, state of the art marine law enforcement base is a welcomed addition to the Public Estate, especially at this critical time in our Territory. The safety and security of our residents is our primary responsibility and this base serves as a leap forward in the fight against crime.”

Deputy Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Ms. Aisha Hill said the office is committed to the advancement of the Public Estate thorough the construction of the base.

Ms. Hill said, “As the managing office for the Government’s Public Estate, the Office of the Deputy Governor has worked closely with the Recovery and Development Agency, the designers and contractors to ensure that the marine base is constructed to meet the ever-evolving demands of marine based law enforcement in the Territory.”

Ms. Hill added that the new Marine Base now allows the three agencies to simultaneously carry out critical operations with enhanced provisions for communication and effective planning, all aiding the advancement of the Territory’s law enforcement capacity.

Following the handover ceremony, newly appointed Public Estate Manager, Mr. Floyd Stoutt met with the occupants of the building to establish a formal agreement for the maintenance of the base.

The construction of the base was managed by the Recovery and Development Agency, in collaboration with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Immigration Department and His Majesty’s Customs. The building was designed by Trojan Design and Development Limited and constructed by MGA Project Management & Construction Services and James Todman Construction Limited. Caribbean Security Limited installed the CCTV and fire suppression system.

The new Marine Base was constructed in thirteen (13) months and was jointly funded by the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).