Crime rate makes me consider leaving BVI
As the territory continues to grapple with the murder of prominent attorney Jamal Smith, media owner and talk show host Cindy Rosan has expressed that the crime wave that has hit the territory has caused her to reconsider living in the BVI.
Rosan who recently left Tola Radio and is now a co-host of the Morning Ride radio show on ZROD 103.7 FM, said she knows of others who are considering leaving the BVI amid the spate of crime in the community
“For me, the first thing in mind after going through all of that (Smith’s death) was ‘is staying in the BVI what I want to do’?” Rosan expressed. “I know a lot of people are considering that and it’s so stressful to know we’re really at the point in the BVI in 2024 where [we’re considering if] this space is safe for us? Are we able to make it here, live, make a life and be successful?”
Rosan also said Smith was a friend of hers and she came close to tears while speaking about his death and the spike in crimes the community is experiencing:
“We’re the only people that can take the blame for that (crime problem) because we’ve sat back…can we take a break?” Rosan asked with a cracked voice before stepping back from the mic
Her co-host Queen Don then took over and apologized to listeners, stating, “she’s emotional, we apologize for the space she’s in today. Please bear with us.”
Smith’s death comes amid several shootings, robberies and other serious crimes that have been plaguing the community since the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The attorney was a public figure who served on many public boards and recently ended his tenure as chairman of the Labour Arbitration Tribunal.
The Premier and Deputy Governor have issued statements in the wake of Smith’s death, stating that the National Security Council held a meeting about the matter yesterday.
The Premier also called on the UK to “uphold their constitutional responsibility to support and protect the people of the Virgin Islands.”
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Yes crime is on the rise and it shouldn’t be ignored but at the same time stats are stats. How many places it really have with less crime than bvi? If we going on numbers and statistics not emotions. The bvi is still ranked as one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean to my knowledge.
“The bvi is still ranked as one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean to my knowledge.”
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Everything is relative. I take no comfort in that statement.
On a local level, when people are going into other people’s homes and shooting them to death, whatever ranking you speak means nothing to the deceased or those of us who have real legitimate concerns about rising crime in the BVI.
Many of us grew up at a time when crime of this nature was unheard of. To see the country descend into this level of criminality is troubling. No one should take comfort in some statistical number.
When you are dead you are dead, and such stats are meaningless to any dead person.
What I find most troubling in the BVI is there are people who not only will commit these kinds of crimes, but celebrate or blame people for their deaths, or justify their killing.
It’s a sick twisted mindset that demonstrates the level of depravity in the mind of some that somehow a person deserve to be killed.
That is one of the reasons I suspect some people do not cooperate with law enforcement because in their hearts they are happy about the demise of one of their fellow human being.
This place is dangerous from that stand point, because for whatever reasons be it envy, grudges, or what have you, there are some who believe that the means justifies the end.
Making matters worse, justice is hard to get around here even if the criminal is caught.
Let’s face it: The BVI is not the place it once was. There is a dangerous criminal element within, and no one should let their guards down under the premise that the BVI is one of the safest detestation.
Safest for whom? It was not safe for Attorney Smith or the over 100 murders which to this day remain unsolved.
So let’s tell the truth here since we are talking. The BVI can be dangerous, and even I as a person who was born and raised here do not trust anyone in this place.
Some people here have deep hatred in their hearts for others, and thinks it ok to kill the person who they have such hatred for.
Tourist or not, no one is immune, and therefore should never take comfort in any stats relative to safety.
I feel sadness when I see what is going on in this country. I have lived abroad where crime is common depending on the neighborhood.
I have always taken comfort in the past that home was different. Not anymore. Unfortunately, the BVI is no different that other places I have lived, and the paradise I always envision as a place to retire is just now a fantasy.
It’s hard to let go of that paradise in my mind, but I am not going to dig my head in the sand and pretend otherwise.
I have to live in reality and I would encourage others to do the same rather than taking comfort in some artificial number relative to safety.
Again, when you are dead, you are dead.
You write a whole novel and still didn’t address my one question. Where is this paradise that we can move to that’s gonna provide same or better opportunities for a bvislander that also have a crime rate comparable to bvi 20 years ago where is this paradise? enlighten us! I not trying to reduce nobody death to just a mere statistic but still if you going to say you considering moving from here because of the crime rate how can you not compare the BVI’s crime rate to other countries that you may consider moving to? The only way to do that is with statistics and actual facts. It’s a fact that the BVI’s crime rate is one of the lowest in the world there are numbers to prove that where is your evidence that says otherwise? Rather than running away to another country that probably have even more crime than here why don’t we demand better or more thorough investigation into these matters instead?
First let me say this to you. I have been blogging on here for decades now. One of the things I have learned from this experience is that every now and then someone like yourself comes along and respond to my post with attempted insults when they cannot respond to my post in a coherent way.
Just that you know, while I don’t normally get into the sewer with most people in kind, I am not above responding in their language. Sometimes, I have to go there.
I don’t write for people who may be reading challenged or high school drop outs. I communicate on an intellectual level and that is not going to change.
My post are typically longer than most on this forum because yes I do write long posts at times, and the software does not allow wrapping.
The “novel” you see is a paragraph for me. It took me no time to write it. If you are looking for a short paragraph response, I am not the one to give that to you.
Now, as I stated at length, the safety stat you referenced is relative, and I do not take comfort in them. You are free to take comfort in them to your hearts desire.
Crime is typically reported as incidence per 1,000 resident.
Regardless of what the number is for the BVI comparatively speaking, it does not change the fact that violent crimes is on the occurring and on the increase.
As I indicated earlier, these types of crimes historically has been alien to the BVI when I grew up here. There were no reported gun violence then or crimes of major drug bust. The culture of criminality has changed significantly over my lifetime.
People’s feelings and thoughts are valid. I don’t know how old you are or your generation, but if you came from my generation, you would appreciate what I am saying here.
Nevertheless, this comes down to each and everyone and how we see life and crime in this country. It’s personal for each person.
I have lived in countries where the crime stats are higher, but I was never impacted or felt like I was at risk as a victim.
Reason being, the population was larger and the likelihood of my becoming a victim just based on stats was less. Here, given the small population, the feel is different.
If you feel comfortable relying on that stat as you go about your life, by all means live your life accordingly.
You are free to do as you wish and live where you can. I pray no harm comes to you nor your family, and those stats work in your favor. All the best.
Hush up
LOL. You are down to one word now. I understand.
Your response was predictable. It’s clear you don’t have the ability to have an adult conversation.
You most likely don’t have the option to pick up and leave so you resort to lashing out at those who have such options.
Denial of the reality and hating on those who have other options is your only option, so you lash out in anger. You are as plain as glass. Grow up.
Person are you insane or do you have no life. It wasn’t even me who responded “hush” to you. Some other random citizen saw your fart and told you to hush I done realize you is one a them educated moo moos driven by emotions rather than logic.
BVI is like a bucket of crabs.
thank you… some people are blind and stupid ask them where have lower crime rate
Who produces these stats? Some yrs ago the popo in a Neil ring country brought stats and the citizenry was not having it. Crimes definition were being changed to suit the narrative. Things are. Sing implemented without consulting the people like really. When ask it’s like we are the professionals or no answers given. You’re given the silent treatment, dismissed, middle finger, labeled or shamed. The status quo will continue in the same train
Can I give you a ride to the airport ?
Please note that I am doing and saying absolutely nothing to persuade you to stay!
Aren’t these the same set of people that complained about the police video. Claiming it was a false narrative/image of the BVI and made them look bad. What a difference a dose of reality makes. I guess them having articles now saying they want to leave and many others want to leave because of crime is a beacon to attract tourists lol………
good riddance, don’t let the door hit you on the way out
This is not about crime on the rise, this is about people getting involved in s**t and it being played out. I have no idea what happened to Attorney Smith but let us not act like there are random acts of violence here. All violence is bad but the panic is not necessary!
Well Stated… point blank
Cindy, I say, stay at home, and do your darndest, on the mediums-social and otherwise, to help make these Virgin Islands, a better place to live!
Of course, the ultimate decision is yours.
But, boy, oh how many of us, would miss your perspective in the daily happenings of our lives here..
The Premier also called on the UK to “uphold their constitutional responsibility to support and protect the people of the Virgin Islands. This man don’t know what he wants one time he is calling down the UK net time he wants independent from the UK now he is calling for help from the UK, why don’t you call on your buddies from the UN or CARICOM. You are a waste of time Natalio Wheatley.
Let she go she is fake because last wake she was praising the police hoping for favors
You hater Cindy go and don’t come back
There is also the high cost of housing, food, water and electricity. Underinvestement in education, bad roads, a dysfunctional NHI etc to consider.
You can leave whenever you want to but we know you won’t go. Where will you go to with a lower crime rate than here? Also you won’t be acknowledged as anything wherever you go, at least here you are acknowledged as the nuisance that you are sometimes lol
Everywhere has crime darling it’s just in small places like here you know the victims
It will become worse in keepingxwith the culture and norms of the dominant expanding demographic,Nothing good ccab come of BVI. I have been scooping out foreign investors for my considerably large land holdings.No way would I entertain the idea of Updeislun purchase of my.property/ or investments tis would be undeserved and a slap in the face to my ancestors. The writing on the wall, is a flashing neon sign..the character of the VI and its people,that which is its number 1 asset is gone,overshadowed and being replaced by that of a cursed lot with no choice but to be losers. My intent is to head for Africa,US or Europe. My children are being schooled abroad. Education here has become disgustingly and alarmingly unworthy not to mention
adolescent spawns of the intruders with firearms in their backpacks attending and in the classrooms.It’s real.
The fact of the matter is where will you go? The crime rate in the BVI is one of the lowest in the world. What bothers me and others though is there are murderers moving among us, rubbing elbows with us and we have no clue who they are. We have to invest in crime solving detectives in our Police Force who can actually follow an evidential trail.
I am not going anywhere. This is home and always will be good, bad or indifferent, but crime solving is our issue. Catching and prosecuting for these crimes, we need Crime Solving 101 courses for our Police Force and certainly that is something the Governor can help with. That is under his portfolio and nothing. Lots of UK police officers and still no crimes being solved. Are we getting value for money? This is why a UK takeover will not necessarily be better than where we are now.
The ranks of our Police Force are higher than ever with upwards of 360. Where are they? What do they do? I think if we flood the streets from East to West, North to South with them we might see a difference. People see you and they might actually talk to you and point you in the right direction. Community policing, neighbourhood watches, getting to know the populace, we need help. We are losing our young men to violence in this community. While the Police Force alone cannot do it, we have to see that you care about this community and will do all in your power to keep us safe. When I was growing up, the police officers were always around. We were friends. They made a connection with the young men even in primary school and that continued into early adulthood so they felt like they could trust them. We need help here. Don’t reinvent the wheel.
I viewed a segment of the latest Mika Barry which portrays an insider’s account of the atmosphere within a World of unimaginable for me,a fourth generation BVIslander.
I saw pieces of turd, varied colors,shapes and sizes,floating around aimlessly no purpose with a final destination of being flushed away and to disintegrate into total and forgotten nothingness worthy of turds.
YEP! Me too this earthly creature is perturbed and d’turd.
Tortola BVI too small for you…Pls go and find s country where you don’t have to deal with men and try find some happiness.
Cindy forget to mention many are coming to the BVI as well for job opportunity etc. People simply choose where ever jurisdiction makes them comfortable.
WELL SHE CAN GO GUADELOUPE WHERE HER INDEGIOUS LINAGE WILL BE FOUND
Cindy how the hell care!!!..we would really appreciate if you leave the island…cause just looking at your Beauty is a crime!!!
Sadly, The days of decency seem to be fading. You call the Police, slow response time and no confidentiality. You get injured or wounded crooked scarfaced physicians track your every breath. Laundromats wash money and operate under the guise of legitimate business places. Ex police still have hands holding on to hands in the force. What kind of a future can our children have with the undercover actions of some of these so called teachers? I weep for the land of my birth!
Why do people always have to compare the V.I. with everywhere else? People have already left this place and many more are leaving and not asking anyone to miss them. The fact is the majority of you people can’t see any difference in this place because most of you are the Root cause of what is happening.
1. Who killed Jamal Smith?
2. What was the End result of the Death of the UK
Detective?
3. Why did another prominent Attorney from the BVI
took his family and left this place?
4. Why are most serious Crimes in the BVI not
Solved?
5. Who was responsible for the 60 Bales of
Cocaine?
A Fish Stinks From The Head. Time will Tell.
This Territory is too small to be so corrupt.
One Person alone, Remember I’ve said One person alone will decide the Fate of this Territory.
The UK MUST take over and VERY SOON….
Who killed the the little girl out West?
Vi society condemened by that alone. No one know who? Hide someone who smokes weed, maybe, but these are killers of peolle ans some of them young people. I want better for young people but right now they getting nothing but shot be gun toting VI gangsters. Our prezent culture is gangster land.
The BVI has one of the highest Net Migration Rate in the World and a few years ago it was the highest. Net migration rate compares the difference between the number of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000 persons (based on midyear population). Therefore, to the Cindies of the BVI if you want to leave you are free to do so, but know that you will be replaced with the wink of an eye.
I think right now the BVI can be compared to HAITI.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION???? I REST MY CASE.
if you leave who going flirt with us young boys them young girl dont flirt no more they lookin dust one time
Cindy, if you be going, take CSC wit you. Maybe you can shack up in Detroit.
I once used to live in the BVI. And migrating to the BVI in the late 80s, I must say that the BVI was indeed a peaceful place. It wasn’t until in the early 90’s when they found 2 dead body’s up in Sage mountain with gun Shot wounds one was a Penn from East End and the other one was from VG. To my recall that’s when Tola dive into a spree of crimes. From then on it is from one to the next up until present. Tola is not the same any more and honestly, the worst is yet to come. Because it will become more dangerous if nothing is being done to clamp down on these crimes. Nature’s little secret is living up to its name. Because for a little Territory,like Tola with only 26 square miles with so many unsloved murders is something to be concerned about. Yes every where around the world have crimes. But something is not right with all of these unsolved murders in the BVI. Wake up people, wake up.
Bye.
Leaving to go where, under a rock ? cause we still good, everywhere has crime and wayyy worst than here so i really don’t know where you going, smh.
More criminals to come.
he bvi is still relatively safe but if we keep saying that while crime raises steadily then we’ll be in hot water…
young people have taken up criminal lifestyle as a role model.
The youths are already thought to hate police and engage in poor moral decisions by their peers
Parents are not doing their job and are actually afraid of their own kids
All of these youths are from single parent household as well. Mostly mothers that pickup criminals or lowlife and breed for them.
Now the kids follow in their same footsteps girls and boys.
And it’s only getting worst. The bvi is still relatively safe but if we keep saying that while crime raises steadily then we’ll be in hot water…
The youths need saving and an immediate intervention.
Minister of education stop slacking off or the future of the bvi will suffer. Same for parents as well. Raise your child with dignity and good morales so that they don’t follow the wrong crowd.
Cindy please leave this is the best news you ever came up with!! Plus just seeing your true beauty is a crime!!
I’ll sponsor your ticket if it helps expedite your departure.
If this young lady decides to start thinking about relocating because of our record breaking crime spree, why the hell we should jump up with all these opposing where they come from inputs.she is her own person, she knows the lifestyle she wants for her kids.who are we to want to tear her down for that. She does a service here and we would miss her yes, but she decides for herself, it’s her life, and if things do not work as she plans or hopes it does, she has all options to return. Leave her alone if you can’t support her views.
Lady Cinda, it’s your life live it to your decision and your likeness,your decision, and your choice. Love you.
Cindy it is your life to live how, and where you see fitting once within the general rules of the land.
You don’t allow people to lead you down life’s pathway , you are too intelligent for that.i don’t really know you but I enjoyed your journalism skills and techniques.I love you schemes in digging out information from your guests.overall you are rated B+ by me.i miss you on the Air waves, but good luck in your endeavors wherever you trod, just keep your laser focused on God, he would guide and protect you.keep being you, for you could only be 100%you,with Love.
What are we doing different this time. 100+ murders and we have no legal right to self defense. The criminals aren’t flying war planes with guided missiles, it is easy to make them timid & scared to pull a robbery or murder in our small territory but we need legalized weapons.
Cindy sound shook as if she in the game. no place on earth safer than the BVI where certain freedoms are still enjoyed. Your little position in street enterprises is non-consequential. for now.
Alright. I will say this. Tortola is one of the safest places to live in the world. And we have to remember, we cannot compare 2024 with 1998 or even 2000. Different world, different influences, different parenting, less love and kindness. The best thing to do is what God admonishes us to do, pray for our country and our people. And, Immigration and Police, please start creating a database, if you don’t have one, of the suspected agitators around this place. Ensure that those that were sent out of this country cannot chane their names and return. Red flag, Immigration, those who come in for two days and leave, again and again. Word on the street is that the word is ‘paid hitmen’. And lastly, stop driving around in these doggone vehicles marked ‘Police’ and expect to catch anyone by surprise. Rent a vehicle or buy some unmarked vehicles, let new recruits who show promise become undercover cops never seen in a uniform. For Heaven’s sake, do something to solve crimes and ensure that we live the best life possible in this beautiful country in 2024 and beyond or get out the way let those who are willing to at least try do so. I watch enough detective shows on tv to know that you guys are sadly lacking in this area. Pray to God to assist you as well. He is in the prayer answering business.
@ Quietly Watching and the others. Do you know what makes this situation so disgusting? I am a constant listener to every Talk Show in this Territory and everything that is said, All conversations on Blogs or wherever are just Talk, Talk, and more Talk. The Persons in positions to make change are just giving Condolences when situations happen until another bite the Dust. The Governor, The COP, The Premier and entire Government are like they live on a different Planet. The ordinary Citizens are giving Ideas, are crying out for proper Leadership and everything or every word is falling on deaf Ears. I think whatever is happening in this Territory is Spiritual. It cannot be anything ordinary. The people in Authority are not moved. I don’t have anything personal against who is from here or not from here But something is not adding up. There are many people being deported from the UK, Canada, the US and elsewhere every year and what mechanisms do we have in place to ensure those people don’t end up here? Can’t we up our game in Immigration? No fingerprinting at Airports nor Seaports? No follow up systems on who leaves when they are supposed to? People are afraid to speak to the Police because there is no confidentiality. No Trust. Parents are afraid to discipline Children because they have allowed the Children to become Parents. Children are into lawlessness and Parents are well aware But because of the Money from their lawless actions Parents are partaking in it. This Territory has become a Dog eat Dog World. In most Countries Money Talk. You have the Money, We have the time. Change Passports, Change Names, Clean Police Certificates, etc, etc,… What hurts me I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY OUR LEADERS ARE NOT CONCERN LIKE THE ORDINARY JOE PUBLIC. Don’t tell me they are because sending Condolences is Not enough. The UK is our Parent. Ask for resources. Where are the Scanners for Containers coming into the territory? You see it is true that this Territory has become Corrupt at all levels. It is unheard of to go along everyday saying “Oh we are not too bad” and comparing us to other places. Does it have to come to that? Are we really going to stand by and wait for us to get worse? Every Leader and Citizen of this BVI should be ASHAMED of ourselves right now. We are no different than Haiti and I don’t care who says we are. The only things we are focused on is Parties, Music fests, etc while our Moral fabric is Deteriorating day by day. This Era is the most disgusting period in the History of the this Territory. And it will get worse because it has become the norm even for our so-called leaders. Corruption is the order of the day in BVI. Everybody looking for who can have the most Money. Greedy Bills passed. Immigration Bills Passed. Crown Land Bills passed. Visa Free Bills passed. I repeat again, This is the worse period in the History of this Territory with the Now Leaders. And not just in Crimes But in everything else. Am I the only one seeing or talking about it? Listen to every Talk Show, everyday of every week. I Never thot that I would say this But The UK definitely needs to come in and make a clean sweep and dissolve our HOA and start afresh. The People of this Territory, Those who really cares need to Rebell on the state of our Territory and why our Leaders are going around everyday like nothing is wrong with us. Everybody is playing the Blame Game. today, Let’s Blame the Government. Tomorrow Let’s Blame the COP. the next day Let’s Blame the Governor. The BVI STINKS to the Core. Enough is Enough!!!
Indictable and unsolved crimes are rising steeply in the BVI because the entire system of BVI local government is corrupt from the top down to the underpaid bush cutters. The current politicians are incompetent to the extent keeping them alive is more distracting then removing them. The family and gang wars will continue with more unsolved murders until the UK Marines arrive and restore law enforcement for all residents regardless of name, race, sex, age, status, bloodlines, relatives, religion, fake entitlement, wealth, place of birth, employment, etc. etc.
I am in agreement with you. There is a blame game going on. You are mainly blaming the politicians but when it comes to crime, I blame the front liners, the Police, Customs, Immigration. I listen to the Talk Shows as well. The Governor can demand millions more than is budgeted when the Police Force is in need and I am tired of driving through the capital and there are no police officers to fix even the smallest infractions. Persons pull off in the middle of the road to drop off persons and will stay there and talk as long as they want to.
I am sorry to say, but the police just does not seem to care. If they are doing nothing on simple traffic issues, then what? They are doing the bare minimum. Politicians are not in charge of law and order. The Governor and the police are. They can pass laws as a deturrent for some of the things that we see going on in our community and that is where they are lacking. Blame them for that. They can talk about it, but if the police do nothing, a body that they have no power over, thank God, crime will continue to spiral out of control.
So then you say England needs to come. For what? What the hell are they going to do differently? Prince Charles came after the storm and he never even brought a blanket for ten of us or a sleeping bag. He walked through the leafless QEII Park and then got back on his plane. We were down and nothing. I keep saying it. They are our parents. Our children, especially our young men are out of control, did they build us a Youth Center, a Trade School, a Library, a High School? No. We have a huge prison compliment of the UK and that is all they built us. Ever. So now they brought us some workers. Are they road engineers? Are they retired Scotland Yard Agents who will train our Police? Are they doctors as we are dropping like flies. No. They are Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and, of course, a jailer. So they will come and maybe if they do, they will then pay attention to the Police Force, but the innocent may suffer with the guilty because don’t you know that we are all bandits and drug dealers? I pay my mortgage every month, every year and I am sorry, I am old enough to remember how things were in the 70s and 80s. We built this country on our own, BY OURSELVES. UK can come for you, but not for me. The way I see it, they are here and not doing a damn thing. They did a COI and the politicians who were found to be lacking, evasive and untruthful, put their names on the ballot of the recent elections and were revoted into our Government. So which politicians we expect a difference from? I think some has potential but will not step out alone. We wanted the young people in charge, so they are. But saying all this, I still say better the devil I know. UK certainly won’t be a help to me and even if they are in minute things, well, white rule cannot be better than voting sensibly when it is time to go back to the polls and asking our Police Force to do their damn jobs. They have cameras everywhere and don’t even look at them. Businesses have cameras and they can’t catch a damn fly. The young men from the recent robbery in an area riddled with businesses who drove off down Main Street are still at large. Sorry. There is going to be a blame game. In fact, let’s blame the real culprit. The devil is on the loose. Let us resist him and he will flee from us. Peace.