Premier denounces violence after latest killing

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has once again called for an end to the spate of gun violence that has ensnared the territory in recent years following yet another brazen daylight shooting. 

The Premier’s call comes in the wake of the territory’s first recorded murder of the year, which happened outside a bar in Parham Town in the East End community.

“We must end this cycle of violence! I am appealing to those who resolve conflict through violence to put down your guns. Violence only breeds more violence and more crying mothers and mourning families,” Premier Wheatley said in a Facebook post yesterday.

Just a few short months ago, Premier Wheatley pleaded with residents to put down their guns in the aftermath of a horrific double homicide which occurred a stone’s throw away from his district office.

“We have had way tougher times than these, and when things get tough, we have to pull together and have each other’s back, not eat each other,” the Premier said in response to a comment on his post.

Dr Wheatley expressed that he was saddened to learn of yet another murder in the community and shared his condolences with the family and friends of the deceased.

“Let’s do all we can to end this cycle of violence in our communities and let’s pray for the healing of our lands.

In the meantime, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed yesterday that Yan Edwards, 42 of Long Look was the murder victim in Monday’s shooting incident.

The RVIPF said initial investigations showed that Edwards was seated outside a business establishment at Parham Town, East End around 6 pm on Monday when the shooting occurred. Edwards, who was the only person wounded in the incident, was pronounced dead at the scene.