STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR AUGUSTUS JASPERT
ON THE RECENT MURDERS
Monday, February 12, 2018

I was extremely saddened to hear of the murders of two young men this Saturday morning in Road Town.  My condolences go out to their loved ones.

I want to reiterate the request of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) for any member of the public who knows anything at all that may help the police in identifying the individual or individuals responsible for this terrible crime to come forward.  

The people of these Islands have much to be proud of in coming together to support each other in recovering following the devastating events of last year.   And this is where we need to work together now.  The RVIPF have worked tirelessly in keeping the citizens of the Virgin Islands safe and work to strengthen the RVIPF is ongoing.  We have officers undergoing specialised training, additional staff is being sought to support the RVIPF and Cabinet has agreed that funding should be forthcoming to strengthen the RVIPF further.

Safety of its citizens is the first priority of any Government and its police force.  But this cannot be achieved by those in authority alone.  Each of us has an obligation to follow and support the law.  The Commissioner pointed out that 90% of all solved murders in other jurisdictions result from witnesses coming forward.  Why should the Virgin Islands be any different?

I think I speak for all those who have lost loved ones due to senseless violence.  We want it to stop.   This isn’t a time for people to take matters in their own hands or to bury their heads in the sand about what is happening.  We are strengthening and supporting the RVIPF as it rebuilds.  We need you to do the same.

Help put those responsible behind bars before other young lives are lost and others are left mourning.  

His Excellency the Governor
Augustus Jaspert