Office Of The DPP -BVI

Press Release from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

We are deeply concerned about the recent pattern of inaccurate and irresponsible reporting regarding The Office of the DPP’s decision to pursue judicial review as opposed to appellate proceedings in challenging the erroneous position of the Magistrate. A certain media outlet published unverified claims and a sensationalized story without adhering to universal basic journalistic standards of fact-checking and balanced reporting. The media outlet corrected themselves promptly after the ODPP Post and comment and have apologised for the error made. That is why the story now reflects that we are pursing a JR, that was not the case in the original story posted.
We find it prudent to proffer the reminder that responsible journalism plays a vital role in informing the public, but when media outlets prioritize speed over accuracy and headlines over truth, they do a disservice to their readers and to society at large.
We call on all media organizations to:
-Verify facts before publication
-Seek balanced perspectives
-Provide proper context
-Issue prompt corrections when errors occur
-Exercise responsible editorial judgment

We initially issued the position that the reporting by that media outlet was incorrect and incompetent, as the story published demonstrates that they did not adhere to the principles as stated above. We appreciate that the media outlet corrected their error.
The ODPP contrary to what is purported in the public are about fairness and are ministers of justice. It is not and has never been the job of a prosecutor to seek a conviction at all costs. Our job is to ensure that law is upheld and to ensure proceedings are conducted fairly, that includes appealing or challenging decisions made by tribunals.
When the media fail to fairly report criminal proceedings and to allow defamatory blogs that can cause pre trial prejudice, undue influence of the jury pool ( which is a criminal offence) amongst other issues it undermines the Territory as a whole.
The Director, Counsel and Staff of the ODPP have no grievance with any media outlet.

In the matter concerning the robbery of Maricel Pickering of Two Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty Dollars United States Currency (US$2,950.00) and the unconscionable murder of Catherine Pickering, Eight persons were indicted by the Director of Public Prosecutions for different role played in the commission of these offences.
The following is the outcome :
1. Akeem Hopkinson was indicted for Murder, Robbery, Possession of a prohibited firearm, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He was found guilty by a jury on all counts on 25th February 2025.

2.Shemar Robinson – was indicted for robbery, which he planned with Hopkinson and Grant and plead guilty

3. K’Shoy Alexander, Richard Haripersad and Jordon Jackson were all indicted with Akeem Hopkinson and Grant for possession of a prohibited firearm, they pleaded guilty

4. Teffiny Smith, Tyann Smith plead guilty for assisting offenders for hiding the firearm used in the offence which was never recovered.

Shameek Grant was acquitted after the Judge upheld that he had no case to answer.

Keithroy Joseph found guilty by unanimous jury for burglary and indecent assault on 21st February 2025.

The ODPP is hiring for Senior Crown Counsel and Financial Crown Counsel

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The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Territory of the Virgin Islands is now hiring.

As a part of our education initiative, we wish to share our presentation made to ESHS Students on 19th May 2023 as part of the TRC's Anti Cyberbullying Conference.

Wishing everyone a blessed holiday season and all the best for 2023.

1st November, 2022

The Office of the DPP notes with disappointment today’s press release issued by the Accused Myron Walwyn, which amongst other things seeks to adversely influence the potential array of jurors who will eventually decide his fate and the fate of other persons similarly charged. Such rhetoric only serves to undermine the course of justice in the Territory.

Contrary to Mr. Walwyn’s assertions, an incomplete investigative case file was submitted in 2020, and the same was quickly returned to the RVIPF to conduct further investigations, but same were never completed by the RVIPF at that stage. The decision was made to bring in an independent team of financial investigators from the United Kingdom to review the investigation, and that review commenced in early 2021. The review was done to ensure that the investigation was completed fairly, transparently and to standard.

The Office of the DPP has always operated in accordance to the law, and strongly refutes the erroneous and unfounded statements that otherwise was done.