$100,000  Reward for each Unsolved Murder

Earlier this week Police Commissioner Reynell Frazer announced that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is offering a reward of $100,000 for each of the seven unsolved murder cases. The reward will be paid to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any of the following unsolved murders:  Jason Bally (15 October 1999); Ian Watkins (21 April 2000); Natasha Jno Baptiste (9-19 November 2003); Dion Woods (20 October 2003); Melissa Spence (21 September 2004); Roland Serrano (shot on 15 September 2005, died 10 October 2005); and Kendoy Penn (shot on 18 September 2005; died 21 September 2005).

The Commissioner disclosed that the anonymous hotline number has proved very useful with members of the public utilizing this channel to provide information. However, he noted, police have “not been able to collect sufficient information to make arrests”.

Meanwhile, Government is supporting the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in its move to offer significant rewards for information that will lead to convictions in several unsolved murders in the BVI.

Speaking in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, Chief Minister Honourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith announced his Government’s support for the move, while adding his voice to those appealing for persons with information to come forward.

The Chief Minister said measures under Government’s Seven Point Plan of Action implemented in September have produced some positive results, but have not lead to convictions in any of the outstanding murder cases. One of the new measures put in place was a new, anonymous hotline (1-800-744-TIPS or 1-800-744-8477) for persons with information for police.

The Chief Minister is hopeful that the offer of a substantial monetary reward will yield new useful information. “I am using this opportunity to add my voice to the RVIPF appeal for the public to come forward with information. In order to defeat violence we must stand united. We must summon our courage and strength of character,” he said.