Crime is being normalised in the BVI
Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull has bemoaned the uptick in crime, saying the issue is seemingly becoming a norm in the community.
The BVI is seeing an increase in serious crimes including murders, shootings, woundings and burglaries. Though many are concerned, there is still a culture of silence that persists when others fall victim to acts of crime and violence.
Turnbull said crime is being normalised because people are choosing to remain silent when others commit wrongs.
“When we talk about crime, it seems we are experiencing something that is becoming normal. While I was in Trinidad, I was listening to the news and they were talking about the number of murders that happened in one day. Four happened in one place and two in another place. Then they went on to the weather like it was nobody’s business,” Turnbull said at a press conference on May 19.
He added: “Crime and the acts of crime in the BVI; we are becoming more silent about it. Because it’s not touching our doorsteps, we remain silent about it.”
Opposition members who were present at the press conference denounced the recent acts of violence which have rocked the community, including the murder of prominent attorney Jamal Smith who was killed at his home.
The legislators called on the Governor and the National Security Council to devise better plans to fight crime in the community and urged residents to share information with the authorities.
In the meantime, some believe that the sluggish BVI economy is the cause of the rise in serious crimes while others believe the police know who the offenders are but are not doing enough to bring them to justice.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Hmmm. We have become complacent in this Territory. We are in a lot of denials of some of the ills that go on in this Territory. Sad state we are in.
These politicians are the biggest criminals, it starts from you guys. It was already normalized in the parliament. We elect you and you rob our money. Yall jus educated criminals.. sick of ayo
Funny how he left out drug and people smuggling.
He a waste a time it all ways been like that in the BVI.
Everyone knows but they wont tell.
It starts with the former Premier. Also when government talks positively about the former Premier or defends keeping a picture up etc. It’s not like they’re saying what he did was bad in turn they’re making it seem as though he were innocent. I’ve seen multiple articles such as the UK left the premier in the dark about Coach. These articles only normalize crime when you are apart of government.
The problem is, it is a small place and most of us know each other. Unless the crime is over the top most of us won’t waste out time. But to me the bigger issue is that we need to shut down the drug and gun trade. This can be done by the Briish Navy and enacting randum road blocks and search.
Over the top YES but assisanations in surch a small place is more over the TOP.
It’s not new. I have had conversations in my office about the acceptance of crime as long as the criminal proceeds stay within the Territory. No harm seen.
With that attitude condoning crime, the spiral to murders etc. isn’t such a huge gap.
And some of your own Cane Garden Bay people that you smile and take pics with are some of the worst lol
it ain’t funny , the dude is just waking up so he hasn’t seen or heard about those things yet
The bvi but the whole world stop making the bvi seem to be the only place in the Caribbean with crime. Pr Haiti trinidad st Vincent Jamaica and i can name so many more who have crime as high or higher than the bvi. So please stop it
People most likely do not come forward for fear of retribution from those committing the crimes.. Who will protect this source if their name is somehow leaked to the public, even though it is supposed to be confidential. When someone says to you.. “you want your children around, how bout your Mother? Shut up or their dead.” Yes… you say nothing and have seen nothing. Sadly it happens in most all small countries where everyone seems to know everyone. People live in fear.
hold a gun drive for a new scooter…lol lets play with the budget money lol
When Andrew Fahie was doing his crap, lots of people knew. They said nothing, some even benefitted from his crimes. When he was caught up many of those sane ones who knew about his dirty dealings NEVER spoke out about it. Instead, many of them were up in arms about him being set up than that he, holding the highest elected office in the BVI was committing ALL kinds of crimes.
So here we are. Terrible crimes happen and EVERYBODY knows, but NOBODY knows!!!!
This is sad. People are really in denial. Some of them say it is all because of politicians while some think it is not their business.
No Crime is not all about andrew and not it is not because of politicians. Things can only get worse if you really think that.