Not enough done on crime reduction

Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn has expressed grave concern about the escalating crime in the territory, suggesting the rise was due to insufficient government action and a lack of a comprehensive crime strategy.

During a recent Opposition press conference, Walwyn criticised the government for failing to implement youth programmes and technical training opportunities, leaving many young people vulnerable.

“One of the things that I have noticed that has not been a part of the agenda of the government is that we do not have enough youth programmes in the country right now,” Walwyn said. “There is far more focus on the students who are in formal education and not enough being done between the ages of, for instance, 19 and 29.”

According to Walwyn, this approach would involve the input of civic organisations and other groups, which could form part of a comprehensive strategy for dealing with crime. He called for urgent and targeted measures to tackle crime and its underlying causes. Opposition members supported Walwyn’s position, arguing that more robust educational and social reform programmes tailored to young people’s needs were needed.

Walwyn also argued that criminal activities could cause significant social and economic problems for individuals and communities.

“[Crime] should find no solace in the Virgin Islands,” he remarked while urging the public to support law enforcement in rooting out criminal elements. The legislator also stressed the importance of preserving civil liberties while addressing crime, noting the challenges of balancing effective policing with the protection of democratic rights.

He criticised recent government proposals, including the Police Act, which he said initially lacked proper safeguards for human rights. The Opposition has consistently pushed for improved legislative processes, according to Walwyn. He pointed out that recent bills were rushed through without sufficient scrutiny.

“By their own admission, it was stated by one [government] member that they do not read the bills when they come to Cabinet,” Walwyn said while describing the admission as a “clear dereliction of duty.” Recent statistics have highlighted the alarming trend of violent crimes in the territory.

The BVI recorded over 115 serious offences last year, and Walwyn stressed that addressing crime requires both immediate enforcement measures and long-term socio-economic interventions.