In a collaboration between the V.I. Police Department and U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association, the VIPD officer of the month program was officially re-launched last week.
During the HTA’s general membership meeting on Wednesday afternoon, July 15, at the Westin Resort and Villas, VIPD Detective Cassandra Vincent and Officer Richard Dominguez were honored for the months of May and June.
The program was re-ignited when VIPD spokesperson Melody Rames contacted the association, explained HTA president Lisa Hamilton.
“We jumped at the chance to get this program going again,” said Hamilton. “It’s important to continue to strengthen the relationship between the VIPD and the HTA.”
Top VIPD brass including Acting Commissioner Novelle Francis and St. John Deputy Chief Darren Foy presented Vincent and Dominquez with their certificates of honor.
Vincent, named Officer of the Month for May, joined the VIPD in 2003, and has served on St. John since 2004. Her hard work and dedication have been integral to solving a number of cases.
“Detective Vincent investigates every case with the same aggression and determination whether it is considered high profile or not,” said Hamilton. “Detective Vincent exhibits great leadership skills and can execute her assignments with little or no supervision.”
A VIPD officer since 2008, Dominguez was named Officer of the Month for June for his total dedication to the department, explained Hamilton.
“Officer Dominguez was selected as officer of the month because of his initiative, willingness to be a public servant and relentless work under trying circumstances,” she said.
Francis enjoyed the opportunity to commend his employees, the Acting VIPD Commissioner explained.
“Today is a good day,” said Francis. “Not only do I get to eat lunch, but I get to commend my officers and I’m happy to be a part of this.”
The officers are chosen by their zone commanders and exemplify the ideals of the department, Francis added.
“This is about going beyond the call of duty,” he said. “Officers put their lives on the line every single day, so to be rewarded for a job well done is commendable. We’re committed to improving officers’ morale, which is one of our biggest challenges.”
St. Thomas VIPD officers Gigi Alexander and Dwight Griffith were also honored but did not attend the luncheon.
In addition to the VIPD officials, HTA members also heard from the V.I. Waste Management Authority’s chief planning officer Sonya Nelthropp, who discussed a number of the authority’s initiatives, from school recycling to cash for cans.
HTA secured the super screen in New York City’s Times Square where 180, 15-second clips showcasing the Virgin Islands will be aired for the next two months, explained Hamilton.
Department of Tourism’s Sizzlin’ Summer initiative sold more than 5,000 packages, bringing in new and returning guests to the territory, Hamilton added.
“We all know that it costs a lot more to bring in new customers than to bring customers back, so we’re working hard on both fronts,” she said.
