Chief Minister Calls On Citizens To Support Police

Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal has suggested the need to find the root cause of the problem that may be leading to the increase in criminal activity in the territory. Speaking at his regular press conference Monday, he said the situation should be of concern to everyone and not only the officials constitutionally responsible for internal security, the Police and law and order.

"All of us are in some way or the other responsible and must do our part to maintain the peace and law and order and the rule of law in the country," he declared. His Excellency the Governor has special responsibility for the subject, but the Chief Minister said all Legislators are expected to play their part and people are looking to the elected representatives to hear what they have to say. He is calling on every citizen of this country to support the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force as they strive to solve the recent spate of armed robberies and murders. He said this situation does not augur well for the good name of the BVI, "a peaceful and tranquil society." Hon. O'Neal noted that the Police are working all out to find solutions and have already made a major breakthrough, with the arrests of several of the perpetrators. "A few years ago, we had certain things happening where even the Police at their headquarters were attacked and we were able to get that under control and I believe that the present situation can be brought under control and kept under control," he declared.

The BVI Leader said when society begins to react in this manner, it is necessary to find the root causes of the problem "and try our best endeavours to make sure that we solve some of them, make sure that we lay a foundation on which we can build, so that these problems will not reoccur." To those persons who say that one or two armed burglaries is nothing to worry about, he said it is indeed. According to the Chief Minister, our citizens must be able to live in peace and enjoy the calmness, the tranquility and peace of this country. "I will give every support to the Policemen as they continue to keep the peace and I want to commend Commissioner Vernon Malone, Deputy Commissioner John Johnston and all the other members of the Force for the work they have done so far in bringing some of the people to arrest and we hope the judicial process will have its way," he said. He said government would stand solidly behind the Magistrates and the Judges as they seek to dispense justice from the various benches. Chief Minister O'Neal said it is sad that people have to resort to this kind of action, but he encouraged residents not to get too emotional, but keep a level head and look at the situation objectively. But he added that wherever we could find solutions and whatever lessons we can be taught from the recent actions, we must learn and try to avoid those actions in the future.

"I am prepared, if it becomes necessary, to dip into the reserves of this territory, to bring in some professionals to help the Police, if needed," he stated. He said law and order must be maintained and the rule of law must be respected. "Anytime we become disobedient to that, anytime we feel we can resort to crime and get away with it undetected, then our society is on the verge of anarchy and this we must stop." The Minister responsible for Tourism said the BVI has too good a reputation to be soiled. He said he believes he would get the support of all Members of the Legislative Council, as everyone wants to see peace in our time and for generations to come. "I hope that the Police will continue to detect those who are guilty of these acts and bring the guilty eventually before the courts of justice," he concluded.