Premier pleads for public’s help after Nyron Erickson’s murder

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has made a direct appeal to the public to help police solve the murder of Nyron Erickson, which occurred just before Mother’s Day.

Speaking during a live government broadcast on Virgin Islands Voice, the Premier said he was deeply saddened by the killing and urged residents to come forward with any information they might have.

“We have yet another murder in the Virgin Islands, and this was right before Mother’s Day where a mother had to mourn the loss of her offspring, and certainly no mother would want to get that type of call,” Dr Wheatley stated.

The Premier highlighted the generally peaceful and law-abiding nature of the people in the territory and urged residents to reject violence. “I have to make a call to the people of the Virgin Islands to resolve conflict in a peaceful manner and for us to abandon the use of violence, the use of guns in resolving disputes,” he said.

He confirmed that the National Security Council convened to discuss both Erickson’s death and broader crime issues. Plans are now underway for a crime summit that will involve government ministries, security agencies, and private sector groups.

“Plans have begun, in-depth plans have begun, to plan a crime summit which will bring together various agencies where we will put our heads together… to stamp out the scourge on our communities,” he explained.

Despite the low national crime rate—reportedly around three to four murders last year—Premier Wheatley warned that even one life lost to violence is one too many. “One murder is one too much,” he stressed. “We want to stamp out the scourge of crime.”

He urged the community to play an active role in fighting back against violent crime, saying, “We call on persons who could have seen something, heard something, to be able to contact the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and give them the information that you have so that we can bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The Premier also appealed for community unity and faith but emphasised that prayer alone is not enough. “Faith without works is dead,” he said. “While we are praying and while we are hoping and while we are believing, we also have to work together.”

Erickson was gunned down in the West End area on Saturday afternoon, prompting renewed public outcry over gun violence. The police have not released a motive, but reports indicate the investigation is ongoing and persons have been cooperating.

Dr Wheatley concluded, “It’s not just the job of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. It’s not just the job of the government. We all have to come together to confront this challenge. And I know that we can and I know that we will.”