Premier has ‘deep concern’ about violent crimes

Premier Dr D Orlando Smith has joined a growing list of persons raising concern about the latest spate of serious crimes in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

“I would like to express my deep concern about the state of violent crimes in the community – the latest being the shooting of Franklyn Fahie,” he said.

Fahie died before dawn Saturday – a few hours after a gunman shot him at a bar he owns in Long Look, Tortola.

Premier Smith urged residents to support the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force in its effort to curb crime.

“I want to urge all residents who may have information to cooperate with the police,” he said.

His call comes while former election candidate for the Opposition Virgin Islands Party Sharie DeCastro made a similar appeal, and also launched an anti-crime campaign dubbed ‘One [Murder] Too Much’.

“In light of the first murder of 2017 in the BVI, which occurred on Friday (January 6), let us be proactive and stand in unity against crime…” DeCastro said.

She continued: “I will reiterate that curbing the rise in crime and violence is not only a government matter; it’s not only a police matter; it’s a Virgin Islands matter.”

Meanwhile, the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) recently said it is ‘very concerned’ about the issue of crime in the BVI.

Its chairman, Louis Potter, told BVI News Online: “The Chamber is very concerned with crime, and is seeking to meet with the authorities to learn of their plans to reduce crime in the territory…”

Furthermore, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been raising concern about the frequency of especially gun-related crimes. It also laments the failure of residents to give the police information.