Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. The Honourable Natalio Wheatley has reiterated his condemnation towards violence of all forms in the territory following the recent double murder which occurred in the 7th District last Friday.
The reckless shooting incident claimed the lives of 28-year-old Kadeem Frett of Long Look and 38-year-old Kawa Cornwall of Long Bush and left two other persons also wounded with one being a minor.
Speaking in the House of Assembly on the matter, Premier Wheatley condemned all acts of violence in the BVI.
He said, “As Premier, as a Member of the National Security Council, as the Representative for District 7, as a member of Cabinet and the House of Assembly, and as a patriotic Virgin Islander, I also wish to reiterate my condemnation of violence in all its forms, especially, where it is done with reckless disregard for the sanctity of life and safety of persons.”
He added, “I want to take this opportunity, Madam Speaker, to urge our people, especially our young men and women, to reject a life of crime and violence. Such a life has no future. Such a life will only be filled with regret. Such a life will only bring pain and grief to you and the people who care about you when you end up in jail or, worse, dead. There are better, more productive and positive things to do with your time, your energy and your intellect.”
Premier Wheatley also reaffirmed his support to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force in combating crime in the BVI.
“The Government of National Unity and I are firmly committed to our responsibilities in supporting law enforcement in the fight against crime. We are outraged to see the path that some persons have chosen to follow, and we will not stand for it. We are committed to continuing to make resources available to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, as the present and past Administrations have been doing, so that the police can perform their law enforcement and public safety functions – whether it is by preventing and deterring criminal activity, or ensuring perpetrators are identified, held and brought before the court for justice. We will also soon be bringing the Police Act before this Honourable House, which aims to strengthen the legal framework to detect, arrest, and prosecute crime,” he explained.
Reckless acts damaging the reputation of the BVI
The leader of government business also spoke on how these senseless acts of violence are affecting the territory’s reputation, stating that they are jeopardizing the vision of the BVI’s ancestors towards achieving self-determination, a journey he said commenced over seven decades ago.
The premier urged the community to come together and speak out towards any such acts, and where possible, be forthcoming with information that can lead to the arrests of these culprits.
“I reiterate, if you see something say something. If you know something, say something. Do something! There are anonymous channels for you to pass information to the authorities. Passing on information can save a loved one’s life – whether from them becoming a victim of crime, or by them being an intended perpetrator. If you know a family member, a friend, or a boyfriend or girlfriend is engaging in wrongdoing, plead with them to stop. Let them know you disapprove of their wrongdoing. Let them know you will not accept anything they bring you that was not legitimately obtained or which was not bought with clean money,” he said.
“Encourage them to get help and counselling. We have so many churches and other organizations that are always willing to help persons in need of direction. There are so many community activities and sporting activities organized by the Government, by the Elected Representatives and by private and community groups, for our people to be positively engaged and to earn an honest living,” he further pleaded.