Governor targets year-end relief for VI’s crime woes

Governor Daniel Pruce has expressed optimism that the BVI will begin to see relief from escalating crime by December 2025.

According to the Governor, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) faces a challenging year ahead, with the criminal environment becoming more complex.

He further emphasised that the RVIPF is undergoing a significant transformation, with the appointment of a new Commissioner later this year and the second volume of a UK-sanctioned law enforcement review scheduled for next month.

“My hope is that by the end of this year, we will have started to turn the corner on the many security challenges we face,” Pruce said during a recent address to the Rotary Club of Tortola. 

Proactive approach

Pruce outlined a proactive, community-focused approach to tackle rising crime rates, stressing the importance of collective responsibility.

“Secure societies are characterised by a shared responsibility for security,” he noted, urging community members to engage in crime prevention efforts. “Everyone plays their part in making their environment safe. The police are not seen as a separate agency but as an integral part of the community,” he added. 

The Governor’s comments follow a 12% increase in overall crime for 2024, including a surge in organised gang activities, burglaries, and robberies. To combat this, Pruce announced that experts from the UK would support the RVIPF in enhancing marine capabilities, intelligence operations, and emergency response coordination. These specialists will work under Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool. 

Pruce praised Crimestoppers BVI, a volunteer-led initiative that offers a confidential hotline (800 8477) for reporting crime-related information. He noted that it is a proven, independent model that has led to over one million arrests worldwide.

Community in action

Pruce credited local organisations, including Rotary, the Cadet Corps, and the Girl Scouts, for providing positive activities for young people and helping to steer them away from criminal paths. “Creating these positive pathways helps to give young people choices,” he said. “Security is rooted in community. So, the steps we are taking to strengthen our front-line interventions will fail if the community does not engage.”

The National Security Council (NSC), comprising the Premier, the Minister for Communications and Works, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Police, has intensified its efforts by meeting weekly. “We are being more strategic and proactive in our work,” Pruce explained, adding that the Joint Task Force—combining police, Customs, and immigration—plays a key role in boosting law enforcement capabilities. 

Pruce emphasised that community engagement is essential to the success of his strategy, urging residents to consider how they can contribute to societal safety. He also underscored the link between security and economic growth, noting that a safe environment is vital for tourism and the overall prosperity of the Virgin Islands.