Tensions Flare in Senate Hearing as Police Commissioner Refuses to Respond to Senator Johnson

During Wednesday’s meeting of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Police Commissioner Ray Martinez made it clear that he and the other VIPD representatives were not in attendance voluntarily. “The Virgin Islands Police Department was subpoenaed to be here, and as such, we are available to answer any questions this committee may have,” Mr. Martinez responded when prompted to provide opening testimony by committee chair Senator Kenneth Gittens.

The lawmaker was not pleased at the lack of prepared testimony. “I must note that the subpoena was clear on the information that the committee requests,” Mr. Gittens responded. “We should have had testimony regarding information relating to police operations, policy, procedures and initiatives relative to the community safety and security, and to provide an overview of public safety and security on the island of St. John.”

After having expressed his disappointment, Mr. Gittens moved to the next testifier and the hearing proceeded apace, until it was Senator Franklin Johnson’s turn for questioning. Mr. Johnson first sought information from representatives of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency and St. Thomas Rescue before turning to Mr. Martinez with a question about the VIPD’s caseload on St. John.

“I will answer every other senator in here with the exception of him,” the commissioner told Senator Gittens, who immediately pushed back. “The senator asked a question of the Virgin Islands Police Department. It is not personal. We expect a response from the Virgin Islands Police Department regarding such,” Mr. Gittens admonished.