The V.I. Police Department is observing National Police Week from May 11–17, a time set aside to honor and remember the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. This year’s commemoration is taking place across the territory, featuring a series of community events, tributes, and outreach initiatives.
“This week, we pause to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said VIPD Commissioner Mario Brooks. “Their names, stories, and legacies are etched not only into our department’s history but into the very soul of our territory. We honor them by continuing the work they started, standing firm in the face of danger, upholding justice, and caring for the community they gave everything to protect.”
Mr. Brooks also extended gratitude to the men and women of the VIPD, thanking them for their continued courage, commitment, and sacrifice. The department is encouraging active and retired law enforcement officers, as well as members of the community, to participate in this week’s scheduled events.
Police Week Activities Across the Territory
On St. Thomas and St. John, Police Week activities began with a church service at Prior Jolleck Hall at Antilles School on Sunday, followed by a basketball tournament on Monday evening at the Annas Retreat court. The week continues with an open house across all zones on Tuesday morning, a “Sip and Paint” at Virgin’s Haven Tuesday night, karaoke night at Tha-Li Indian Grill on Wednesday, and the Peace Officers Memorial Day Parade on Thursday.
Friday’s event, dubbed “Free Up Friday,” takes place at a designated parking lot, followed by a firearms competition and game night on Saturday. The week concludes with a Family Beach Day at Magens Bay on Sunday, May 18.
On St. Croix, the Police Week calendar includes a motorcade to gravesites and a Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, May 15, starting at 8:00 a.m. at Patrick Sweeney Headquarters. An open house will be held Friday at 1:00 p.m. at the Wilbur H. Francis Command, and a family fun day is scheduled for Saturday at the Vincent Mason Pool, featuring a canine show.
Full details and ongoing highlights of Police Week activities can be found on VIPD’s social media channels and at www.vipd.vi.gov.
Commissioner Brooks Joins Caribbean Counterparts in Guyana
While Police Week continues at home, Commissioner Mario Brooks is also representing the Virgin Islands internationally at the 39th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), being held in Georgetown, Guyana.
The week-long conference, hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, opened on Monday, May 12, under the theme “United in Action, Transformed in Purpose: Building an Integrated Caribbean Security Architecture.” The ACCP, established in 1987, serves as the premier regional body for promoting professional policing and collective security strategy across the Caribbean.
The event brings together 25 Commissioners of Police from across the region to engage in knowledge sharing and collaborative discussions aimed at combatting transnational criminal threats such as narcotics trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime. Among the dignitaries in attendance is Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Speaking at the conference, Commissioner Brooks emphasized the importance of regional unity in addressing shared security challenges. “The deep-rooted cultural similarities and shared norms that bind our Caribbean nations underscore the importance of strengthened collaboration across the region,” he said. “While these commonalities foster a vibrant and interconnected Caribbean identity, they also, unfortunately, extend to the realm of criminal activity.”
He warned that criminals often exploit the openness of Caribbean borders to commit crimes across jurisdictions, which calls for a more integrated response. “Just as we celebrate our shared heritage and support one another in times of need, we must adopt a collective approach to safeguarding our citizens,” Brooks stated.
He stressed the importance of sharing intelligence, harmonizing enforcement efforts, and creating a united front to tackle regional security issues. “By standing together, we can effectively address the challenges posed by transnational crime and ensure the security and well-being of the Virgin Islands and our region,” Brooks concluded.
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