BVI News

Too many youth have lost their lives — Governor

Governor John Rankin has expressed concern about the number of lives lost to gun violence among young people in the territory, contending that events that have been taking place in recent months have been worrying for everyone.

Speaking at a recent press conference, the Governor reflected on the spate of burglaries – highlighting in particular, the Pier Park robbery which took place earlier this year – where shots were being “fired in the air in the middle of the day”.

“I recognise just how concerned the public is about that. The first responsibility I have in that area has been to support the police in their work. As you will know, persons were quickly arrested and charged following the Pier Park robbery,” the Governor said.

Rankin noted that he was pleased about the number of arrests made by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) recently concerning burglaries that have been on the rise.

According to the Governor, “My job has been to support the police in being as effective as they can. And that’s why the British government has contributed $2 million in terms of police training, in terms of police body cams, in terms of improving the facilities for the police to operate and also strengthening the marine work of the police by the four boats we’ve supplied to help the police capacity in the water.”

The Governor commented that this support has led to several successes, with more than six tonnes of cocaine being seized by police this year, and an increase in the seizure of arms and ammunition. He said this has helped to tackle crime and increase safety for the community.

In the meantime, the Governor has called for even more steps to be taken to improve the state of security in the territory, such as an update to criminal procedure rules. He also hailed changes to the Jury Act, which now allows for an increased pool of jurors and suggested this enhances the delivery of justice.

“What that’s about is not just a set of rules. It’s about delivering justice and if we can deliver justice, that will better meet the needs of the people in the BVI and help to better ensure the safety and security of people in the BVI,” the Governor stated.

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10 Comments

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  1. GOVERNOR says:

    When a person Gets gunned down here, we look for a scapegoat to point our fingers at / we have a LAWYER aristocract canary on the yellow site who onl know how to talk about racism / who incidentally has SQUANDERED HUNDRESMDS OF THOUSANDS OF OUR TAXPAYERS MONEY , WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO INVESTIGATE THAT BIRD WITH THE WIG ? ? ?

    Like 7
    Dislike 4
    • @Governor says:

      The one who running for the third district? Why is he even trying to get back in the public service. It is very scary.

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      Dislike 1
  2. NDP Supporter says:

    Losing one life is too much. We all must fight crime together but I must also say the Governor and Commissioner of Police has failed the BVI in terms of security. We cannot blame them for crime but they have failed the people of the BVI and it is not for the lack of resources but they do not want to admit this at all. In addition the large majority of the youth of the BVI are doing positive things but not once does the Governor speak about that as it does not fit his narrative.

    Like 2
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  3. Aunty Susan says:

    Happening now. Get ready for fun.

  4. Self Made says:

    Black peopke killing Black people.
    The sport of choice for acquisition of feel good in a nothing good heart and mentality. Praise The Lord they shout!
    And that is how they are ,free and Independent flying their flags and announcing their cannibalistic trend, poverty, self-destruct irresponsibility in the journey of their tragic lives,
    Always comin’ to get oneanudder by hook or by crook.

    Like 2
    Dislike 2
  5. We know says:

    West Bank saying green light he think money can buy everything

  6. Si Mon Pow Err says:

    There are no shortcuts to success and illegal actions while chasing a Majestic Life will always catch up with you, its either the jail or the grave.

    Like 2
    Dislike 2
  7. Where is Justice? says:

    Dude, there was an 11 year old child that was gunned down and not once Mr.Governor have I ever heard you mention the VICTIMS! Not everything involves DRUGS, some innocent people are getting caught in the crossfire.

  8. @ Where is Justice. says:

    But it is because of Drugs. The BVI has long became a Narco Territory. Drugs evidently is the Third P illar pf our Economy and the majority of Housewholes in the BVI are a part of it. Top, Bottom and in between. Everyone knows it but hate to admit it. Why do you think more Crimes are not being solve, Big Surnames are part of it. Church Folks are a part of it. High Society Leaders are a part of it. Everybody ia related and our Society is small. Everybody knows everybody. The whole Territory needs an Audit Not a Census. You might be surprised. And Yes, you know what am talking about. If you are Innocent, stay Innocent. If you are Guilty, Tic Toc….

  9. Ro Bert Wright says:

    Stamped by me. Really wish you never left me hanging at DFH. Leave me with This mascot who just trying but not really getting it. You forced me to make up with him.

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