Walwyn Calls Out Police Budget Priorities
Territorial Representative Hon. Myron Walwyn has criticised police management for failing to tackle persistent noise complaints in residential communities such as Baughers Bay. Walwyn questioned why the force claims to lack basic noise-measuring tools despite securing budget allocations to recruit officers from overseas. He pledged to address the issue directly during upcoming Standing Finance Committee proceedings.
Territorial At-Large Representative Honourable Myron Walwyn has raised strong concerns regarding shifting cultural norms and an inadequate law enforcement response to escalating noise disturbances across residential areas in the Virgin Islands. Speaking during a sitting of the House of Assembly, Walwyn highlighted ongoing issues in Baughers Bay, where residents regularly lodge noise complaints with little visible intervention.
He remarked that local communities traditionally observed peaceful Sundays, but residents are now subjected to individuals parking vehicles in residential neighbourhoods and playing music at excessive volumes without regard for others. Walwyn expressed particular frustration with law enforcement explanations that officers lack the necessary noise-measuring equipment to address these violations effectively.
He challenged the legitimacy of the excuse, pointing out that the force routinely receives the financial backing it requests during annual budget deliberations. The lawmaker noted that while substantial resources are consistently allocated to recruit expatriate officers from the United Kingdom, frontline personnel still appear to lack basic tools required to resolve quality-of-life concerns.
He questioned how basic, inexpensive decibel meters have not been acquired despite the substantial funds provided to the department. While acknowledging that he appreciates the work done by officers in other areas of policing, Walwyn stated that the current handling of neighbourhood noise disturbances remains unacceptable.
He warned that he intends to scrutinise the department's spending and operational priorities when law enforcement leadership appears before the Standing Finance Committee.
Primary source: VINO