VIPD: Issues Sense of Calm on Recent incidents; VITEMA: Reports on Navy Ships in Ports

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - In the absence of Governor Albert Bryan Jr. who is on an informational and exploratory trip to Ghana, West Africa, Communications Director Richard Motta led the Monday Press Briefing at Government House, St. Croix.  

Due to a sense of community concern over published reports in the media involving a series of hit and run and physical altercations  on St. Croix, involving a woman and a white vehicle, Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) Chief of Police Uston Cornelius, felt it was proper to set the record straight as to what specifically was involved in the incidents and where they stood in an investigative respect.

“I would like to bring you a sense of calm that relates to an incident that seems to have the people in our community a little

concerned,” the Chief of Police stated. 

He explained the nature of the incidents, which were still under investigation, and how the Police Department responded in tracking down the culprit, by obtaining camera footage of a license plate of the vehicle that was involved in the hit and run, and camera footage involved in the altercation.

“The vehicle in question, the white vehicle, is impounded. We have it,” the Chief assured the public. “In respect to the lady involved in the incidents, we are just waiting for the last paperwork for us to now have this individual in custody and have questions from her answered.”

Police Chief Cornelius assured the community that everyone who had damage to their vehicle due to the incidents involving the white vehicle would be contacted so that the VIPD could get their side of the story, and make sure all the facts match up and are linked to the current case.

The Police Chief also asked the community to come forward with any information involving a mid-day homicide that occurred in Castle Burke, St. Croix, on November 17, 2025; and another case of discharging of shots, at 11:43 pm, in the Golden Rock area, St. Croix, on November 27, 2025, near the intersection of the Golden Rock Shopping Center. He asked for any information on either of these crimes. to call Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

He went on to commend the community for their help in the case with the white vehicle which enabled the police to locate the vehicle and its owner. 

“We ask the community to continue to work with us, because as you can see positive results come from their efforts,” the Chief of Police concluded.

Mr. Motta continued the Press Briefing by thanking the Chief for his remarks.

“As the Chief underscored, keeping our community safe is a shared responsibility. Law enforcement cannot do it alone. When residents come forward, as he mentioned, with what they see and what they know, it makes a real difference in solving cases, deterring crime and protecting our neighborhoods,” stated Mr. Motta. 

VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen spoke of the R&R visits by U.S. warships to the Virgin Islands docking at the St. Croix and St. Thomas ports. 

“These ports of call are reminiscent of twenty years ago when sailors and marines would visit our shores and enjoy much deserved rest and relaxation, known as R&R activities. We have seen several navy ships conducting their honor activities with sailors and marines ranging from a few hundred crew on the ship to several thousand on the ship,” 

He went on to explain the coordinated efforts on the part of the Navy and various USVI departments to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the ship’s crew as they take in the many activities offered on the two islands. 

“The Navy provides shore patrols who work hand in hand with the VIPD in conducting active patrols in the areas visited by the marines and sailors,” said Director Jaschen. “Thus far our coordinated efforts have been running very smoothly. I am talking about before, during and after these Navy visits. In some cases we get very short notices as to their arrivals, but we are completely prepared to support the Naval activities that are happening on our islands.”

Mr. Jaschen thanked all the departments and private industry that supported the activities of the Navy visits.

“The marines and sailors are having wonderful experiences and memories. This is a first time exposure for many of them to the Caribbean Islands, or the Caribbean culture and Caribbean food, and they’re really enjoying the time spent here. I just want to thank everyone for being great hosts.” 

He concluded by saying he was not aware how long the Navy’s R&R activities would continue in the USVI.