TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands – Governor Daniel Pruce says several initiatives discussed at a summit held last September are already underway or progressing, including improvements to police communications, border surveillance and funding for law enforcement agencies.
Governor Daniel PruceSpeaking during a recent press conference, he pointed to a series of tangible developments across the territory’s security sector following commitments made during the Anti-Crime Summit.
Pruce said one of the commitments made at the summit was to establish a senior strategic security adviser post within the Governor’s Office to help develop a comprehensive national security strategy.
“I’m pleased to say that that person I confidently expect will join us by the middle of this year,” Pruce said.
According to the governor, a project to modernise the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force radio system is already underway, with a UK-funded project manager deployed to oversee the work.
“We have the projects concerning the radio communications well underway with the delivery of those radios expected in the coming months,” Pruce stated.
The governor also highlighted progress towards installing a maritime radar system aimed at strengthening border security and surveillance capabilities. The installation will be fully funded by the United Kingdom and is expected to become operational within the next year.
“We will have that in place within the next 12 months,” Pruce said.
In addition to operational improvements, the governor pointed to increased financial support for the territory’s law enforcement agencies as another outcome linked to the summit discussions. The 2026 budget includes additional funding for key security institutions, including the police, the prison and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The governor said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force will receive an additional US$6.7 million, while His Majesty’s Prison Balsam Ghut will receive US$2.3 million and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions just over US$800,000.
Looking ahead, Pruce said efforts are also being made to sustain dialogue between law enforcement authorities and the public.
“We’re developing a model which will be much more flexible, inclusive and interactive to allow people through a variety of channels to share their views,” he explained.
He said the initiatives collectively reflect a coordinated effort to strengthen security institutions and enhance the territory’s ability to prevent and respond to crime.
