Statement by Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE
Joint Press Conference – Update on Crime-Fighting Initiatives
Office of the Premier’s Conference room
Monday, 13th October, 2008

~~Adz:Left~~ Roadtown, Tortola - Let me first say that on behalf of the Government and people of the Territory, I express my deepest sympathy to the families of the two young men who lost their lives so violently early Sunday morning and to the other families who have lost loved ones in tragic circumstances this year.

We are indeed saddened by the increased murder rate here in the BVI that has affected so many of our families and neighbours. Nevertheless, ladies and gentlemen, ensuring the safety and security of the community continues to be this Government’s highest priority.

Let me assure you that the Government is very dissatisfied with the current criminal behaviour. This is why I am again appealing to the public to please cooperate with the police in their crime-fighting efforts. It will take all of us, all of us, to reduce these criminal activities that are plaguing our Territory.  We need a team approach in this crime-fighting effort.  I repeat, it will take all of us working together with the Police, the Police working together with the community.

I am calling on the clergy, the congregations and all leaders in the communities from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke and from Jost Van Dyke to Anegada to make this a united effort to help to eradicate the social ills that are manifesting themselves in such a violent manner.

Ladies and gentlemen, the sharing of information is critical to the success of solving crime in our Territory.  Do not allow fear to grip your hearts, but allow the grief that is gripping the hearts of the mourning mothers and fathers to propel you to come forward with the necessary information that will help to solve these crimes.

We do not want our people to live in fear and while we take stringent measures to protect our residents, visitors and businesses, we must be mindful of the correlation between the continued success of our tourism economy and any increase in crime.

Today I am re-affirming this Government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources––financial, technical, human, technological, and whatever it takes to strengthen the crime-fighting capabilities of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. I believe in that and I believe that the Police Force will do their best and very best in this matter.

I heard the Honourable Leader of the Opposition on ZBVI this morning and I welcome his commitment to join with the Premier in this struggle against crime and I hope to have a meeting with him very soon.

I have given my assurance that the Royal Virgin Police Force will be given an accelerated 2009 budget so that the Force can forge ahead with crime-fighting initiatives that can help to reduce the crime rate which is under control. Government remains committed to its zero-tolerance regarding crime. I appeal to the public to let us all continue to give the Police our support.

Before I close I would like to welcome the United Kingdom police officers who have joined the Force to provide specialist training and exchange of skills

Ladies and gentlemen, let us keep this Territory in our daily prayers. Pray for the police, pray for the public and pray for the protective Hand of God to rest upon our beloved Territory.