Crime summit to address BVI’s gun violence
Gun violence has been highlighted as a primary concern in the Virgin Islands as preparations move ahead for the first Anti-Crime Summit later this month.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Kenrick Davis confirmed that reported crime rose by 13 percent between January and July this year, with domestic violence the largest contributor to the increase.
He noted that firearms remain a serious issue. “This year alone, we have already recovered 16 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition,” Davis announced. “And if we consider that neither of these things is manufactured here, we don’t make guns, we don’t make bullets, but so much of it is around, then it is a serious cause of concern.”
Crime not as high as it looks
Davis said the presence of illegal weapons has contributed to robberies, burglaries, and murders, fuelling fear and a perception that crime is higher than it actually is. “We should all be concerned about crimes increasing and certain crimes becoming a permanent part of our social reality,” he said. He recalled earlier years when the territory could go two years without a murder, pointing out that the current trend is at least one killing each year.
The summit, set for September 24-26 at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex, will gather government officials, business leaders, community groups, churches, and students for panel discussions and workshops. Organised through the National Security Council, it will run under the theme “Our Virgin Islands: Safe Communities, Prosperous Territory”. The objectives include starting a national conversation on crime, agreeing strategies to combat it, and contributing to a National Crime Reduction Strategy.
Crime under control
Davis warned that domestic-related crimes have risen by 21 percent over the same period, saying, “That is a serious cause of concern.”
He added that the Virgin Islands is not as safe as it was two or three decades ago, but insisted it is not too late to act. “I think crime is on the rise, but it is not at a stage where it is out of control, and we need to take action now to ensure that it doesn’t get to that level,” he stated.
The issue of gun violence has drawn increasing attention in recent years following a string of fatal shootings. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and Governor Daniel Pruce have both underscored crime prevention as a national priority, calling for stronger community cooperation with police and urgent steps to change attitudes towards firearms.
The summit will open to the public on September 24, followed by cross-sector meetings on September 25, and youth-focused sessions on September 26. Officials hope the discussions will help build a unified approach to reducing violence and safeguarding the Territory’s reputation as a safe and peaceful community.
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The gun laws are stupid and don’t work; if you insist on preventing law abiding citizens from owning guns, only the outlaws will have guns.
Having said that, if the government insists on trying to enforce a stupid law – then enforce it, for example:
– Why do prosecutors lose so many of these cases?
– If not lost at trial, why are they plea-bargained away and reduced to a misdemeanor?
– For the cases that go to trial and a guilty finding is rendered, why do judges look for ways to excuse so-called “youthful offenders” from harsh sentences (like a 10 year minimum, no excuses allowed)?
The new culture the young adults say is dancehall music which sings about sex drugs violence gangs and guns, festival with half naked minors and women, smoking yuh brains out young and old , gold chains, party life, night life, clubbing,sex drugs at schools, gangs at schools etc etc
And the same young adults that got upset when the older heads voiced there concerns about the amount of half naked minors and youths smoking. Check their profile photos and socials you will see a common theme
Big gold chains, set of animals tattoos, partying, dressed half naked, smoking etc etc ofc they have no issues with the current new culture of the youths
Finally pass the ten year minimum sentence for firearms and ammunition. NO EXCEPTIONS!! In a car with a firearm straight to jail for ten years. In a home with a firearm straight to jail for ten years. NO EXCEPTIONS!
That’s the only way the guns will disappear.
If all guns are outlawed then only criminals will have them. That’s basic. So a mandatory minimum sentence will not deter gun crime. There should be a process where people or security officers should be trained and permitted to have firearms. Not just the DPP or police. There should be circumstances where citizens are permitted a shot gun or 9mm for personal protection of their business. Armed security at gas stations late night, at the banks and money transfer locations etc. I’m not advocating for any Tom, Dick, & Harry to have guns. But if Mr.X has a high risk cash flow business then certain things should be there to discourage the gun possessing criminal minded that sees an easy target. I Guarantee that if one of these little boys gets shot while trying to stick up a business that it will discourage the next set of them.
Kenrick Davis for Commissioner. Sound, solid, local and really knows his job.
He ‘thinks’ crime is on the rise – does he not know???
How much was spent on this summitt? That’s the only crime going on.