Governor focused on COI charges while serious crimes rise
Labour Minister Lorna Smith has hinted that the Governor’s Office and law enforcement authorities are too focused on the charges linked to Commission of Inquiry while murders, shootings, burglaries and other serious crimes continue to rise in the BVI.
Speaking in the House of Assembly recently, Smith said she has noticed that a number of cases linked to the COI are still under investigation and appear to be the priority for the police and outgoing governor, John Rankin.
But she said this reminds her of “Nero fiddling while Rome burned.” This is a phrase used to criticise people who continue to do something trivial or irresponsible in the face of an emergency.
“It is my understanding that there are a significant number of prosecutions still pending and the fact that these appear to be the priority for the police and the Governor, reminds me of Nero fiddling while Rome burned,” Smith stated.
She continued: “Don’t get me wrong, I am all for good governance and best practice and the implementing the recommendations of the COI but I must ask the question: are we putting sufficient human and other resources into solving these crimes, including the unsolved murders? Or are we investigating and making arrests on charges like breach of trust simply to tick the boxes? We must ensure this country does not descend into the abyss of complete chaos and lawlessness.”
Smith then called on the Governor — who is responsible for national security — “to give the highest priority to solve these crimes.”
“At the same time, I call on the people living in these countries to work with the police in solving these crimes. We as BVIslanders must ensure that our reputation of peace and tranquility is restored so we must give priority to solve these crimes,” Smith said.
She also added that persons have warned her to be careful about making statements about crime. But the first-time legislator said she is not afraid to speak on matters that affect her country.
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And they will lose everyone of those frivolous cases they brought against people out of spite and sheer wickedness. The true intentions of the British with this COI will come to light. I hope it wouldn’t be too late for these sleeping BVIslanders who are brainwashed to the point of ridiculousness. I am not saying that we don’t have good governance issues but the British is exploiting this for their own benefit and laying frivolous charges to justify their wickedness.
With all the evidence that came out of the COI you brave enough to blame the British? Take several seats.
So with all the black and white facts presented in the COI you’re still saying we locals sleeping? Lmfao.
Listen the government got Aya sleeping as they steady bust down the public purse and misuse our tax dollars.
I Guess driving through the pot holes on a regular not enough to wake you up buddy smdh.
We in trouble
They are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars of our tax money to bring in KC’s lawyers from the UK for these stupid breach of trust charges but using the incompetent DPP’s office for murder cases that they continue to lose. The British have their own agenda. They don’t care about us but we are completely blinded by the scars of slavery and colonialism.
I do not see who could dislike your post. I wasn’t convinced that the British had their bloggers. Now I am. People kept saying it and I could not think they would stoop so low to achieve their agenda. I now believe. What you mentioned, if it is true, is a serious issue to me.
Wow…this sounds like you are in the camp of persons that steal from the tax payers and making selfish decisions for themselves rather than their own BVI people as a whole … this world has all types
Your words are shortsighted and show a total lack of understanding of the problems facing the BVI. The recommendations of the COI, particularly those regarding the need for decent legislation to allow the Police to do their job effectively, have to be top priority. The BVI needs to move away from short-term reactive measures; and strive for long-term cures.
The CoI revealed the deep problems in BVI governance, including how the BVI society generally ignores rules. Such an attitude is now coming home to roost with the increasing lawlessness. NVI society is wholly to blame for the crime wave and BVI society must look within itself to fix it. It’s another sign of the dependency mentality of BVI society that you expect someone else to fix the problem but won’t take responsibility to act yourselves.
blatant bad spending of pubic funds should be considered a serious crime.
Rooting out those that have been illegally taking advantage of the public purse is incredibly important.
All those who are calling the investigations down have probably got dirty hands! Including The Hon. Mrs Smith – who I also believe will do a good job for the Territory is she does not involve herself in these distractions.
…and Lorna you were too focused on having power instead of staying humble and doing what was in the best interest of the country. Which one worse? Streupes…WASTED VOTE!!!
I wish I could like this comment 1000 times. You are exactly correct. She was too quick for power so she is partly to blame.
The British operatives blogging as usual. They sickening now.
@Concerned citizen you said that they are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars of our tax money to bring in KC’s lawyers from the UK for these stupid breach of trust charges. Andrew Fahie paid millions of dollars to bring in a lawyer from the UK when a lawyer was not needed for a COI, plus the money they spent for the local lawyers.
@ Yes to UK…….
Don’t forget that the UK paid for a COI and received a report and recommendations.
What did the BVI pay for? And what have they received? Not one of them inside there has asked for the “shadow COI report” they are supposed to receive.
I glad for allll ayo who vote VIP and I want them to get back in next election so they could finish k!II ayo and bury ayo.
Cox and no report
Lorna is right these UK racist must go
And ministers focus on traveling while serious crime increases and the place going to the dogs.
What is your point? I am not arguing anything about Andrew Fahie. I am arguing a factual matter. Just last week the suspected murderer of Mr. Burrows was found not guilty. All the other cases for serious crimes ended in acquittals. These were all done by the DPP’s office staff. Why isn’t the DPP office staff handling the breach of trust cases as well? Isn’t a murder case much more serious than a breach of trust one? Come on! Those wicked British people have their own agenda. Why BVI people blind like this? Hell the DPP with serious crimes against our people.
The budget for travel for next year is over 2 million (most people cant see what we get out of these frequent trips ministers make to all over the world) give half of it to the police to fight crime with then.
Do they have to declare monies when leaving the territory?
Does anyone check their luggage?
Could they be taking out millions on each trip?
Another one BVI News will flush down the kibo, but truth will come to light.
Cocobey pan yaws goun cath p wid some.
You got to be a moo moo.
When are you going to get the noise from the motorcycles addressed? It’s too loud at certain times in the nights and early mornings. When?
Agreed. The noise is a perfect example of BVI society ignoring the rules and doing nothing effective to stop the rule-breakers.
So ignore the public servants/minister’s crimes like we’ve always been doing before COI..
Okay Lorna Pon Deh Corner
whatever you say.
Untested information written on a piece of paper is now considered evidence?
murders, shootings, burglaries. What are the other serious crimes? Lorna
I have a feeling that the entire BVI will soon know who were responsible for all Murder cases in BVI. Just give it a few weeks. The people of the BVI are praying different Prayers. Blame the Governor or Governors all you want BUT the real problems lie right here in BVI. Governors will come and Governors will go But the Crimes will still continue. Most people in BVI know exactly who the Criminals are But they are related to Politicians, They are related to Pastors, They are related to Police Officers and other high people in Society. Until the people of the BVI take ownership and hand over their Relatives, Crime in the BVI is here to stay. STOP blaming the Governors and the UK. This so-called Christian Territory has too many Hypocrites and this Year 2024 is going to be the Year of EXPOSURE. Fasten your Seatbelts and get prepared. Every appointed Governor will be disliked and asked to GO! But BVI will remain the same. People are called to Pray like never before for this Territory. There is a BIG shaking coming But its not yet the Earthquake. The majority of people in this territory are dangerous and untruthful. Sad to say BUT it is true. It is high time WE call Wrong, Wrong and try to make amends for our own wilful actions… Who To Blame, Who To Blame, Everybody looking somebody to Blame when WE all know where the Blame lies. God will soon EXPOSE this BVI!!! Remember this Day…
Your brother is going down
@@Yes to UK Jack ACE you were talking about the amount of money been spent so we have a right to talk about how much of the taxpayers money paid out for lawyers that wasn’t need, you people are one sided.
The politrickans are shaking in their boots all now
LOrna husband family were up and down turning pp into duppy…yes Lorna WE NEED TO look into the murders
This is pathetic. What criteria is used to pick a deputy premier…takes long naps and eats oatmeal? Luarna need to stay in her Corna
The Deputy Premier is usually a member of the National Security Council but you are not, instead it is the Minister of Communication. You had the opportunity to sit in the room, Madam deputy Premier, and be a key part of the solution but you are not. Explain to us why you are not a member of the NSC. Crime is not the Governor’s responsibility…it is the responsibility of all of us and the sooner you stop pointing the finger at the Governor and the Policy, the sooner we can begin to solve our problems.