STATEMENT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS
Mrs. Tiffany Scatliffe-Esprit, LL.M.

November 12, 2020

While we understand the inherent news value of the case stemming from last week’s seizure of firearms and illicit drugs, we would urge all commenters, pundits and journalists to exercise good judgment in their coverage and discussions of the case. Irresponsible comments, hasty reporting and inflammatory rhetoric may hinder the ongoing investigative work of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, thereby delaying justice in this case.

In addition, careless comments by the public may put the fairness of the trial in jeopardy.  Under the Virgin Islands Constitution (Section 16), all those charged with an offence have the right to a fair hearing before the law.

Finally, we wish to remind all members of the public that defamatory comments, whether made in print, over the airwaves or on the Internet, are an offence under Virgin Islands law, and that comments published on any website are the legal responsibility of the said website.