Premier doubles down! Jamaica can help us with crime
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has reiterated his belief that partnering with Jamaica could bolster the British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) crime-fighting capabilities, especially in the areas of forensics and organised crime.
The Premier first announced his intention to collaborate with Jamaica during a recent CARICOM meeting held in that country. However, the proposal has faced pushback from several members of the public who argue that Jamaica itself struggles with high crime rates and should not serve as a model for the BVI.
Despite the criticism, Premier Wheatley said during a press conference earlier this week that he remains committed to engaging Jamaica and noted that the country has already provided forensic support to the territory.
“Actually, we recently received forensics assistance from Jamaica. They assisted with some investigations so the relationship is there. I’ve engaged them about how we can work more closely, particularly in the area of organised crime because Jamaica has a specialised unit on organised crime and we, unfortunately, have some elements of that here. Jamaica understands that very well and we can gain value from their resources,” Premier Wheatley stated.
He further noted that before any formal delegation is sent, he will seek the endorsement of the Governor, who holds constitutional responsibility for national security.
“Once I raise it formally with the National Security Council, we’re going to see if we could take another trip to Jamaica with some law enforcement officials. Of course this is an area that falls under the Governor so I want his and the National Security Council’s full support on it,” Premier Wheatley explained.
Critics of the initiative have pointed to Jamaica’s high number of police killings and its ongoing struggle with violent crime—despite a 47 percent decline in murders being reported by authorities—as reasons to be cautious.
Instead of looking abroad, some residents are calling for the BVI to implement strong anti-corruption measures and to invest more in training and resources that will enable local police to effectively respond to crime throughout the territory.
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On the Governor’s police budget nice try!
@natalio: I don’t want them UK police here in the BVI, they may lock my a$$ up, especially on the $5 million USD to bank of Asia, if it’s some Jamaican police we could tell them what to do, they will be so glad to be in the BVI.
Is the premier trying to undermine acting commissioner vanterpool because she is catching a lot of the gun criminals who are friends or family members close to the premier and his entitlement clique?
You all feel like the bvi is a bed of rose or the best place on earth. Just like how people leave their country and come to the bvi because of work its the same way bvi islanders leave and go to another man’s country. Criminals live everywhere and the bvi is no exception
If that is what it takes, as a law abiding citizen Mr. Premier I have your back on this. To much crime going on in this tiny Island. The law abiding citizens is starting to live in fear wondering if they are going to be the next victim.
Jamaica can’t even deal with their own problems….They have the most killings in the Caribbean……..Strupes!
showande is delus***al
Please Premier Wheatley bring in UK assistance to help fight crime here in the BVI.
Please do not bring in any more Jamaicans in the country. They themselves are battling with heavy crime in Jamaica.
…anyone? Interpol…anyone? Oh, that’s right they can’t follow the money because…
1. Yes, the jamaicans would be happy for the opportunity to get a free trip to the BVI – they would never leave like the former commissioner of police.
2. Their crime rate and unsolved crimes is so
high what could they teach us?
3. But then again, the British police didn’t help so who can we turn to for assistance in crime fighting? I’m not sure. Maybe the US federal government. US because much of our crime is connected to them – just ask the former premier.
Bring in Capone
The reason why crime is rising throughout the territory is. Foremost, police force officers are focusing more on promotions and not the actual work that they are sworn to do, which is to protect life and property. They should be out there solving and preventing crimes. There are two days in a month when you will see more officers, on the 15th and 30th. There are so many ways to get these crimes under control. Bring back your drug squad unit, major crime unit and a plane. There are so many retired police officers who haven’t even reached 65 years of age, offer them a contract and active, the same way you contract who usually make a difference within and throughout the police force. If the Jamaica police force was all that good, then there wouldn’t have such a high crime rate there. The premiere needs to get to the root of the problem. Look into where it all started. Ask yourself this question: Do the BVI manufacture firearms and do people here make cocaine, all of which is being smuggled into the territory? The borderline is where the problem is happening. If you strengthen your borderline first, you will see a big difference.
The prime man Nat wheat is at the end of the day grown up on the island and knows its dark secrets. He will not bring in Jamaica nor England to help.
Next let’s put the alcoholics in charge of the brewery.
Working across Island lines isn’t a bad thing it’s creating relations which will help long term…
They cannot solve all the murders in Jamaica – why do we want them here?
Stop going down the wrong Rabbit hole and get back to reality Sir. Dis is two totally different narratives here Premier, if it was working so well crime would have been nonexistent in Jamaica.