Government firing on all fronts in ongoing fight against crime

~~Adz:Right~~ Roadtown, Tortola - Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE revealed today that Government is employing several initiatives in the ongoing fight against rising crime in the Territory.

Delivering a statement on crime to the first sitting of the second session of the First House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, Honourable O’Neal underscored the adverse impact of crime on the Territory’s image and the overall threat to the economy. He said “Government is committed to doing all that it possibly can to fight and stamp out crime.”

Among the measures he outlined is the provision of “additional resources to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the other law enforcement agencies and in particular Customs and Immigration.” He explained that the intention is to “strengthen border control and surveillance.”

Providing assurances to the public, Honourable O’Neal said “Government will consistently apply the long standing policy of deporting non-nationals who are convicted of crimes in our courts.” The Premier stated too that steps are being taken to improve the criminal justice system and amend the relevant legislation to “institute minimum penalties for certain offences, such as offences involving firearms, including possession of firearms.”

Measures to modernise the police force are also being implemented and here the Premier spoke of “enhancing recruitment and retention of police officers, enhancing terms and conditions of service for police officers and others.” He also made mention of the police officers from the United Kingdom who have joined the ranks of the local force and are “working in the areas of community policing, murder investigations, burglary investigations, improving on the amount of police beats.”

Noting the potential negative impact of the marked increase in crime on the Territory’s image, Honourable O’Neal reiterated his call for a community-wide effort to fight crime.

He confirmed Government’s willingness to continue to provide the leadership needed on crime prevention but stated firmly that it requires a collaborative effort. “The problem of crime is not one which can be solved by the Government alone. The entire community must become and must remain involved,” he told the House.

The Premier commended the recent initiative to stage the March Against Crime and Violence, describing it as a good start. “The Government is fully supportive of such initiatives and is committed to working with all, as we continue in the fight to return our Territory to peace and tranquillity,” he concluded.

It is Government’s vision that law enforcement agencies will be backed by a strong community alliance in their quest to provide a safe environment for residents and protect the borders of the Territory.