NSC vows ‘full weight of the law’ after recent violence
The National Security Council (NSC) has pledged to use the “full weight of the law” against persons responsible for criminal activity in the Virgin Islands, following a recent spate of violence.
The Council held a special meeting on Friday under the chairmanship of Acting Governor Dancia Penn, where Interim Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger briefed members on security matters, including the recent violence.
The meeting came as the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) continued to respond to violent incidents in recent weeks. In July, 26-year-old K’Moi Walters was fatally shot in Huntums Ghut, becoming the territory’s first recorded homicide for 2026. Police later arrested two males, including a 17-year-old, in connection with the investigation before releasing them.
Later that month, police responded to another shooting in Brewers Bay, which resulted in the death of Kai De Castro.
A third, broad daylight shooting occurred just last week at the festival village in Carrot Bay. Two persons were reportedly seriously injured as a result of that shooting.
Against that background, the NSC said police would deploy available resources to protect the public during festival and afterwards.
“The NSC assures the public that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) will use all available resources and capacity to safeguard the community throughout the Emancipation Festival season and beyond,” the Council stated.
It urged residents to remain vigilant, behave responsibly, resolve disputes peacefully and report suspicious activity to police.
“The NSC will continue to work diligently with the RVIPF to ensure that the full weight of the law is brought to bear in apprehending those responsible for criminal activity and bringing them to justice,” the statement said.
The Council also renewed its appeal for public assistance in preventing and detecting crime, urging anyone with relevant information to contact police, Crime Stoppers or the confidential police hotlines.
The NSC is responsible for internal security and major developments affecting the territory’s safety. It is chaired by the Governor and includes the Premier, Minister for Communications and Works, Attorney General and Commissioner of Police, with the Cabinet Secretary facilitating its operations.
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nsc is useless
What is obvious is the NSC has failed us thoroughly! Always reactive, and (on the surface) seemingly never proactive, or pre-emptive! Every citizen of this country knows full well that crime rises before, during, and after these types of events! Especially festival when so many from the USA come over. You could see the trouble in the number of rental cars were driving suspiciously day and night! Even the layman could see the issues. Criminals or emboldened in this country, they have NOTHING to fear!
The Governor, the Premier, the ruling majority have al failed these islands with their agenda driven, narcistic and self-serving policies to the detriment of every citizen in this country!
This is just lip service. So all along they were just applying half of the law? I just hate when these people shirk their responsibility and then make these useless utterance as if they will be doing anything different.
Glad this chaotic time of year is finally over.
Every Festival it’s the same cycle—fights, gun violence, reckless driving and people behaving like basic respect and self-control no longer matter. At some point we have to stop pretending these are just isolated incidents. When the same problems happen year after year, it’s fair to question the environment that’s being created.
Festival should be about celebrating our culture, not providing a stage for hotheads, gang affiliates and people carrying weapons. Too many can’t make it through a single event without fighting, flashing gang signs, glorifying guns or settling disputes with violence.
The influence on our young people is equally concerning. Many grow up believing this lifestyle is something to admire because they’re constantly surrounded by it. Between social media, peer pressure and performances where some local rappers and international dancehall artists glorify violence, drugs, sexual promiscuity, gangs, easy money and the “fast life,” it’s easy to see why some youths begin to view that lifestyle as normal or even desirable.
Music alone doesn’t create criminals, but it can influence attitudes and reinforce behaviour—especially when it’s combined with poor role models and an environment where that lifestyle is celebrated instead of challenged.
Then, after another week of fights and gun incidents, everyone suddenly becomes an advocate for peace.
“Stop the violence.”
“Put the guns down.”
But peace isn’t something you demand only after the damage is done. It starts with rejecting the culture that repeatedly glorifies violence, recklessness and criminality.
There’s nothing wrong with celebrating Festival or enjoying yourself. The problem is when an event repeatedly attracts the same disorder, the same violence and the same criminal behaviour, yet we’re expected to pretend there’s no connection. If we truly want better for the next generation, we have to stop normalizing the very influences that are pulling too many of them in the wrong direction.
who wanna bet we have one full week of peace after festival week? only proves my point of what festival attracts and promotes !
The National Security Council (NSC) has pledged to use the “full weight of the law” against persons responsible for criminal activity in the Virgin Islands, following a recent spate of violence.
Heard this “full weight of the law musings” in the past and nothing, no such thing happen. The full weight of the law was laid against Jackie Vanterpool from being commissioner of police. You all need to cut the crap.
Watch out NSC getting the barges back out!!
give the bvi a big horray for meaningless speeches and talk