Substantial reward and unsolved murders

 COMMENTARY by Oscar Ramjeet

 Two weeks ago Police Commissioner, Reynell Frazer announced that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVPIF) will pay substantial reward to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for seven unsolved murders between October 1999 and September 2005.

Unfortunately up to the time of writing no one has come forward with any information leading to the arrest of anyone in connection with the deaths of 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).

This is indeed a sad state of affairs because it seems as if eye witnesses and/or persons who have knowledge of these killings are either afraid to come forward or do not want to be involved in the arrest of anyone since the British Virgin Islands is a very small community and they might be targetted by the perpetrators or their cronies.

The reward of $100,000 for each murder is indeed a substantial sum to be offered. In fact this is the largest sum to be grabbed for information in the entire Caribbean, but the offer so far is not being heeded despite the fact that the Chief Minister, Dr. Orlando Smith appealed to persons on radio and television and the Legislative Council to come forward and assist in solving these brutal murders.

Dr. Smith said in Legco that his government supports the Commissioner in his generous offer, but sadly there is no response from the public although these murders took place in residential areas. This is indeed worrying not only to the Police Commissioner and members of the RVIPF, or the Orlando Smith government, but the entire community. Mr. Frazer in his appeal for public support said that his force remains vigilant in its efforts to fight crime, but as he rightly said "it is imperative in our investigations to solicit your assistance as we continue to pursue justice".

I have said over and over again, the Police alone cannot solve crimes, the support of the public is needed and I strongly urge persons who have information leading to these murders to come forward. They might not be eye witnesses, but any bit of information would be welcomed.

Perhaps at this juncture I should state that the information must be authentic, and that their sole purpose is not to collect the $100,000 reward and try to incriminate innocent persons.

Those responsible must be brought to justice and the public should try to assist the police in this regard and as the Commissioner said it is imperative that as a community we work together to eradicate crime.

Unless we do so individually and collectively, the criminals will continue to trade fear amongst us and hold the entire community captive to their criminal conduct.

Mr. Frazer made two important points: (a) the RVIPF undertakes to ensure members of the public that their safety is never compromised by coming forward to assist in solving crimes and (b) that in the fight against crime they must be of good courage and stand up to the criminals whose deeds could so negatively affect lives in the BVI.

I note that the Commissioner did not include the deaths of 43 year old James Bolan whose body was fished out in the waters between Cruise Ship Dock and Village Cay Marine on September 17, 2005 and 41 year old Guyanese born Toolsiedea Tittle, whose body was found in her home the day after on September 18.

Despite the setback, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force remains vigilant in its pursuit of justice and the Commissioner wants full co-operation in this endeavour. We look forward for an incident free holiday season.

Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous 2006.