At a joint press conference held yesterday March 18th on the present state of affairs regarding National Security in the British Virgin Islands; the territories leaders admitted to the BVI having a serious Drug problem and an extremely vigorous Drug Trade, which they say is as a direct result of the recent brazen criminal activity and murders the territory has seen and chances are will continues to see, unless something is done.
The joint press conference lead by Leader of Government Business, Hon. Andrew A. Fahie was joined by Police Commissioner Micheal Matthews and Governor of the Virgin Islands John J Rankin. The three men pledged to do everything possible to clamp down on the rising problem but called for a change in mindset and the assistance of the public in providing information.
Police Commission Micheal Matthews opened with revelation saying, “Since September of 2020, my Major Crime Team have been investigating the deaths of eight persons, some brutally gunned down in broad daylight, within neighborhoods and communities that has left us shaken, the latest being the brutal slaying of Mr. Deverson Williams on Tuesday [March 16th] afternoon. We have also had a number of drug seizures, within that same period of time. And while we have recorded a number of seizures over the years, I believe unique to this situation is the quantity and the short period of time during which these seizures were made. I believe that COVID travel restrictions created a stockpile and thus the reason for such large quantities.”
Matthew further stated, “I am not at liberty to speak to any specific case as all of these inquiries are alive and active, but I will say that we have reason to believe, in the deaths of several of these individuals, the drug trade played a factor. I will not sugarcoat it.”
Matthews confirmed that presently, the territory has a number of U.K. Officers on short-term contracts assisting with investigations and a number of others who will be joining shortly. For obvious reasons, the numbers of officers were not shared, however Matthews said him and his team are also exploring specialist capabilities to infiltrate the drug trade saying, “I have every reason to believe our efforts to quell the unease and bring, at least, a short-term end to the violence and the drug trade will be successful.
Change in mindset
Commissioner Matthews called for residents to change their mindset. He said, “Greater than this and bringing about justice in the brutal murder of the young male on Tuesday afternoon is the changing of mindsets. In the drug trade, guns off the streets does NOT equate to a safer community if there is, among us, murderous, greedy intent. Large drugs seizure does NOT equate to a less drugs on the streets. It only opens the way for greater demand. And unfortunately, one or two or twelve behind the prison bars just means others will take their place.”
He continued, “We have a unique opportunity to change course here. There is something exceptional about the way of life in the Territory. You enjoy a luxury of the comfort that living in a safe place can only bring. Many relocate to these shores because of it. It cannot be taken for granted. The drug culture will take that from you. If you turn a blind-eye to transshipments of drugs, the Territory, as a whole, will suffer. It promises considerable, immediate wealth in the short-term but there will be no where on earth to enjoy it, much less a small Territory like this one. There is always someone trying to eliminate you to get the upper hand. I have only a few more weeks here in this Territory, but we will all need to think carefully about the future. If you are involved in the drug trade, reflect on where it will take you, and your family, your community and the future of this Territory.”