Alliance calls for stiffer penalties for possession of ammo
In the wake of the fatal shooting of Nyron Erickson over the weekend and a string of recent armed robberies, members of the three-member Alliance in the House of Assembly are calling for tougher gun laws in the British Virgin Islands.
In a statement issued to the media, the Alliance urged lawmakers to amend current legislation so that penalties for illegal possession of ammunition match those for illegal possession of firearms.
“While the possession of a firearm currently carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, possession of ammunition or explosives carries a far lesser penalty — a $500 fine or six months’ imprisonment,” the Alliance stated.
“This inconsistency cannot continue. It is not logical to assume that an individual in possession of ammunition or explosives has no access to a firearm. We therefore call for the penalty for possession of ammunition and explosives to be brought in line with firearm possession, including a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment,” the group added.
The Alliance, comprising Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn, Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, and Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy Mather, also renewed its call for the immediate development and implementation of a National Crime Reduction Strategy.
They said the strategy must be a coordinated, comprehensive plan led by the government and supported by key stakeholders.
“It must balance law enforcement with robust social support, economic opportunities, and sustainable, community-based interventions,” the Alliance stated.
The legislators further pledged to continue advocating for meaningful investments in youth outreach and development programmes, trauma support for survivors, proactive accountability measures to prevent violence before it occurs, and significant crime-fighting initiatives backed by appropriate resources.
In addition to legislative and policy changes, the Alliance urged the wider community to play an active role in addressing the violence.
“Your voice could be the key to preventing further harm. As a people who are blessed to call these islands home, let us stand united — not in fear, but in firm resolve. The fight against gun violence goes beyond legislation; it is about saving lives, restoring peace, and securing the future of the Virgin Islands for generations to come.
“Together, through trust, cooperation, and courage, we can help bring justice, healing, and lasting safety to our communities,” the political group said.
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Thumbs up to these three legislators for coming together and taking a stand. I admire your courage to come out together to chart a better course for the BVI and for being a much more formidable force in the opposition. You will have detractors but press on nonetheless.
I know because it is firearm related my comment will not be liked but having a single round cannot be the same penalty as having a firearm or a loaded firearm. Someone caught with one bullet can not face the same time as someone caught with an unlicensed loaded gun. That is asinine. Guns aren’t sinful they are just a crime to have if you don’t have enough money or aren’t connected enough to pay for a license. Just a reminder. People here demonize gun owners like they are committing a sin against God by owning a firearm. The ignorance is alarming.
could somebody possibly justify being in possession of a round of ammunition…?
Excluding circumstances where it may have been planted or instances of these tourists arriving with it in their luggage, there simply are none. This is not the US, guns are not legal therefore, there is no justification for possessing gun paraphernalia.
Some of you seem so desperate to turn this place into a slum…
When they killed the school girl at west end why didn’t they create a stiffer law and maybe name it after her?
3 WORDS….EITHER VIP OR NDP
Well it looks like you are the blind one. You wrote 4 words instead of 3. LOL. I prefer these 3 blind mice over the two lazy, entitled stooges.
is the purpose of the same penalties for possession of guns or ammunition. If a person is stupid enough to walk or drive with bullets but no gun then this person deserves 5 years in jail!
“While the possession of a firearm currently carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, possession of ammunition or explosives carries a far lesser penalty — a $500 fine or six months’ imprisonment,” the Alliance stated”
If this is our sentences then we really not serious about guns in this place ..
I thought after the gun Amnesty that law punish these people sternly after no one brought in guns
But ever time I blink man on bail for 5 different firearm incidents…..
Then they either go prison for a short time only ro come back out and get a next gun the same way they got the other
Y’all not serious cus y’all crying out for everybody to get legal firearms but skipping the part where y’all can impose Stricker punishment. Keep those caught locked up longer and hit them big fines you think illegal firearms and ammunition cheap? Strpz 500 dollars fine like really?
This is a joke. Forget the legal firearms enforce harsh Punishment is like people just legal firearms to have free for all shoot out with criminals and each other .. don’t forget our high domestic incidents in this small place. Put guns in their hands and see
Corona saw a lot of relationships on strain
When was it last enforced, how many naughty boys have had their wrists slapped because F&F are relatives. Never you mind he’s a polite Handsome church going son of the soil, just unlucky to be caught with a firearm we’ve all done it off you go Sonny and don’t do it again!