ROAD TOWN, Tortola — A retired Royal Virgin Islands Police Force sergeant who was among those seriously injured in last week’s omnibus crash along La Croix Public Road in St. Vincent has died.
Calvin Cockburn, 50, of Greiggs, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, September 16, after being hospitalised following the September 9 crash.
According to the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, the crash occurred at approximately 2:26 p.m. when a public transport omnibus traveling along La Croix Public Road in the direction of the Mesopotamia Police Station plunged over an embankment.
The omnibus was reportedly being driven by 59-year-old Garvin Brown of Greiggs.
Police said the driver, conductor and all passengers sustained injuries in the crash. Most of those injured were treated at the Levi Latham Health Centre and subsequently discharged.
Brown and three passengers, however, were admitted to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
Cockburn’s death is the first reported fatality resulting from the crash.
The omnibus sustained extensive damage. Police have not disclosed how many passengers were aboard the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash remain ongoing. Authorities have not indicated whether Cockburn’s death will affect the investigation or whether any additional charges are being considered.
A Life of Service
Cockburn was not a stranger to public service.
Before his retirement, he served for more than two decades with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, becoming known among colleagues as a knowledgeable, dedicated and respectful officer.
The RVIPF said Cockburn was enlisted on May 18, 2001, and during his career served in several areas of the organisation, including Beat and Patrol, the Special Investigations Unit, the Case Management Unit within the Police Prosecutions Office, East End/Long Look Police Station, the Virgin Gorda/Anegada Police Division and the Criminal Investigations Department, where he served most recently.
He was promoted to Sergeant in 2012.
According to the Force, Cockburn’s career was marked not only by his commitment to policing but also by his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with colleagues.
His respectful approach to leadership and commitment to developing those under his guidance were highlighted by the Force as qualities that defined his service.
In a statement following his passing, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force said it joins Cockburn’s family, friends and loved ones in mourning his untimely death.
“The Commissioner of Police, Senior Management Team, and members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” the Force said.
Cockburn’s death has brought a tragic dimension to an incident that left multiple people injured and has prompted an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
For the police officers who served alongside him, however, the loss is also that of a former colleague whose career was spent serving the people of the Virgin Islands.
His service will be remembered, and his presence will be deeply missed.
May he rest in eternal peace.