Community leader Kevon Lettsome recently shared his thoughts on the recent double murder in East End which claimed the lives of Kawa Cornwall and Kadeem Frett, leaving two others injured and hospitalized by the incident.
Lettsome who has publically expressed and declared his bid in the next general elections as a seventh district candidate stated, “It has now been six days since the heartbreaking tragedy which occurred in my community of East End/ Long Look within the Seventh District. Six days since families have been without their loved ones, especially sons and daughters without their fathers. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.”
These incidents should not occur
Lettsome also said, “We may never know all the reasons why this tragedy happened. But the simple fact is they should not occur. What we do know is that every day since the tragedy, the loved ones; the East End/ Long Look community and the people of the Seventh District and surrounding businesses are in a state of unforgettable memories and pain. We also know gun violence and violence on a whole has long lasting effects and if there is even one thing that we all can do to prevent any of these events, we have a deep obligation in all of us to simply try.”
Time to speak up
Regarding the way forward for the country, in reducing gun violence Lettsome encouraged residents to speak up. Stating, “Over the past six days I have thought deeply on how our country and communities in the future can reduce the epidemic of gun violence that plague my community of EastEnd/Long Look and by wider extension the Virgin Islands. I would like to simply encourage all residents and citizens to challenge old assumptions and change longstanding perceptions by simply speaking up. We all have a role to play. We all have an obligation to be our brother’s keeper. We are all aware of the complexity of these issues which stir deeply held passions and different positions.”
Giving his take on additional solutions, Lettsome said, “I still strongly believe that better policing policies; better policing strategies and enforcement is needed to help eradicate gun violence among us. As well as proper lighting and CCTV surveillance. To add, any action that we are going to take in the Virgin Islands will have to start from our communities and inside the hearts with full participation of citizens in solving these tragedies and simply doing nothing can no longer be an excuse. It is important for our legislators, law enforcement agencies and community to work together, focusing on enforcement and ensuring the adequate resources are at their disposal.”
It has been one week since the double murder and Officers of the Major Crime Team made a one-week anniversary appeal for any information that can help in identifying the perpetrator or any persons connected with carrying out last Friday’s double homicide.
The Major Crime Team released an appeal poster to coincide with a walk through of the crime scene last night (October 28) at the same time the shooting took place last week in hopes of gathering information from persons in that area to help with the investigation.
A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. The families of the victims are also assisting in these efforts.