According to Opposition Member Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), while the local police have their role to play in crime-solving, residents must also let their voices be heard and stand with the bereaved and be their brother’s keeper. Photo: VINO/File

Businessman and horse owner Earl D. Hodge aka ‘Bob’ was shot dead on February 9, 2021. Photo: VINO/File

Prominent Businessman and the Boys Service Station co-owner Rodney A. Simmonds (left) and another man identified as Andrew J. Skerritt (right) were found dead with gunshot wounds on Friday, February 5, 2021. Photo: VINO/File/Provided

Mathew D. Daley aka ‘Shorty’, left, was shot dead on September 10, 2020 while Everton McMaster Jr aka ‘ET’, right, was fatally shot on November 6, 2020. Photo: Facebook

Honourable Turnbull said via a broadcast on social media on February 17, 2021, that “I want to let you know that I stand firmly to oppose every aspect of it,” while at the same time expressing his condolences to the families of the recent murder victims such as Earl D. Hodge aka ‘Bob’, Rodney A. Simmonds aka ‘Mileage’, Andrew Skerritt, Everton McMaster Jr aka ‘ET’, Mathew D. Daley aka ‘Shorty’ and George Burrows aka ‘Shawala’.

He said these deaths have affected the territory and is causing many to reconsider the way they live.

These crimes ‘will not be accepted as the norm’

“We should all be troubled by what has been occurring, and we should be able to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves what we can do to curtail this rise of violence and demand that it ceases. Seeing and hearing about these tragedies as often as they are now occurring is not the normal and will not be accepted as the norm in the territory,” he continued.

Hon Turnbull said while the local police have their role to play in crime-solving, residents must also let their voices be heard and stand with the bereaved and be their brother’s keeper.

He also said because of a few wrongdoers the reputation of the Virgin Islands has been cast in a bad light.

“We have also seen the increase of other major crimes with unprecedented drug busts and seizure of large amounts of money that continues to unearth and cause a ripple effect of arrests and other related crime in our territory which in the eyes of many cast aspersions that the entire populous is seemingly corrupt from the actions of a few who choose to go contrary to the fabric and essence of what it means to be a Virgin Islander, hardworking dedicated family-oriented and God-fearing people.”

Be vigilant

He added: “As Representative for the Second District and a member of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, I lend my voice and commitment to stand with you the people of these beautiful Virgin Islands for peace and order within our communities. We must continue as a people to be vigilant and focused on ensuring that our shores, businesses and homes are safe for our family’s children and guests.”

Hon Turnbull then implored all to play their respective roles and be watchful while at the same time build a country that future generations can be safe and prosperous in.

“I’m making the commitment to help lead the fight for us to live in peace and unity!” he pledged.