Following Friday’s brazen daylight armed robbery of a local jewellery store in the heart of Road Town, Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley expressed his grave disappointment with the incident which he termed to be an act of selfishness.
The premier like many residents across the territory was shocked to hear the news of the event which took place minutes before a scheduled press conference on Friday.
Premier Wheatley noted that crime has been a growing challenge in the territory and an issue that was discussed with the Minister for the United Kingdom Overseas Territories, David Rutley during his recent visit to the BVI.
Dr. Wheatley said such acts are inexcusable in the BVI and extremely selfish and are done by individuals who choose not to earn an honest living.
At the next National Security Council meeting, Premier Wheatley said he intends to hold His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce – who is responsible for the security of the BVI – accountable for putting the necessary measures in place to reduce crime in the territory.
It was in July 2023 that a similar style robbery occurred at the Cyril B Romney Tortola Pier Park which took many residents by surprise.
Two males were spotted in a video brandishing automatic rifles which were discharged after robbing popular jewelry store House of Luxury.
32-year-old Vernon Bernard of Manuel Reef was subsequently arrested in January 2024 in relation to the incident and charged with Robbery, Handling Stolen Goods, and Possession of the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct.