Governor and Premier present united front against crime
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| His Excellency the Governor David Pearey speaks during a joint press conference on crime-fighting initiatives and challenges on Monday, October 13, 2008 in the Premier’s Conference Room. Governor Pearey told the press that actions are being taken to enhance the crime-fighting capability of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. (Photo by Doron Hodge/GIS) |
Roadtown, Tortola - His Excellency the Governor David Pearey and the Honourable Premier Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, presented a united front against crime at a joint press conference today, where they emphasised the need for a community-wide fight against criminality.
“Ensuring the safety and security of the community continues to be this Government’s highest priority,” the Premier said. “It will take all of us—all of us—to reduce these criminal activities that are plaguing our Territory.”
The Premier called for religious leaders and the community in general to “make a united effort to eradicate the social ills that are manifesting themselves in such a violent manner.”
The Governor said it is critical for the community to be part of the fight against crime. “The people of the BVI need to get behind the police force and support it,” he said. “The police cannot combat crime on their own.”
In addition to calling for community support in the fight against crime, the Governor and Premier said actions are being taken to strengthen the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
The Governor, who is chairman of the National Security Council (NSC), disclosed that during an extraordinary meeting on Sunday, the NSC agreed Government would accelerate the programme of equipment enhancement for the police force and that there would be a greater focus on combating gun violence. The NSC also agreed that the police would increase the number of night patrols.
These actions are in addition to others already announced, including the recruitment of up to 20 new police officers in 2008; the
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Honourable Premier Ralph T. O’Neal OBE speaks during a joint press conference on crime-fighting initiatives and challenges on Monday, October 13, 2008. The Premier said that ensuring a safe and secure community is his Government’s highest priority. (Photo by Doron Hodge/GIS)
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use of surveillance cameras in certain hot spots; the recent enhancement of police pay; and a programme of improvement to police stations around the Territory.
Today’s press conference came as five out of seven UK police officers recently hired to work in specialist areas arrived in the Territory last weekend.
The Governor said these officers will work alongside their local counterparts to enhance their skills and capabilities in areas including crime scene investigation, marine policing, covert operations, and murder investigations.
The Governor and Premier were joined at today’s press conference by Commissioner of Police Mr. Reynell Frazer, who updated members of the media about the investigation into Sunday’s double homicide in Josiah’s Bay and ongoing crime-fighting initiatives.
Commissioner Frazer said the police force is presently changing and evolving to better address the modern criminal element.
The Governor said that in all actions, the objective of the police and the Government is plain: “Our determination is to bring the level of crime down.” He noted, however, that despite the recent violent crimes in the Territory, the BVI remains a relatively low crime jurisdiction, and that the police have a track record of successfully prosecuting persons who commit crime.
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British Virgin Islands News