Stiffer penalties for nefarious crimes- Premier Fahie on recent homicides
On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Mr George Burrows aka ‘Shawala’, 54, was shot in his Purcell Estate home while on Thursday, September 10, 2020, Mr Matthew D. Daly was shot on the road in Spring Ghut.
In both instances, both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
‘Heartfelt Condolences’
“At this time, as a Government, we express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of both men. We empathise and sympathise with the families of the victims and are deeply sorry for their loss, as it is always difficult losing a loved one. We pray that God will keep them strong and bring them comfort during this difficult time as they grapple with the realities of what has happened,” Hon Fahie said in a statement today, September 15, 2020.
‘Zero tolerance to crime’
The Premier said, as a Government, it does not condone such senseless acts of violence as there is zero-tolerance to crime of any kind.
He added that no one must deprive another of the right to live or to live in safety and that people cannot be making their own decisions on how to handle matters on their own.
“Persons engaging any illegal activities will be sought after vigorously and brought to justice. Your Government will not allow the actions of a few individuals to endanger the welfare of the BVI and our economy,” Hon Fahie said.
He reminded that the [British] Virgin Islands is a place of peace where people live and also visit to enjoy what it has to offer as a destination and jurisdiction.
The two fatal shootings are the only two murders for 2020.
“Right now, we are faced with COVID-19, and we want to ensure that we are all concentrating all our efforts in keeping people safe and healthy in ‘The New Regular.’”
Support the RVIPF/Stiffer penalties for crime
Premier Fahie assured that Government will continue to ensure that law enforcement agencies get the resources necessary for executing their work.
“We will also strengthen the laws and make the penalties stiffer and uncompromising to deter anyone who thinks about or commits nefarious crimes.”
The Premier added that Government is in support of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in solving all crimes and encouraged persons with any information related to either incident to contact Detective Inspector Vernon Larocque directly at 368-9809 or via the Major Crime Investigation Team at 368-5682.
“Let us all work together to bring these matter to an end. Let us keep each other safe. Let us focus on making sure that our economy is strengthened and not weakened. Let us make sure that we focus our efforts on building up each other and not taking the lives of another,” Premier Fahie appealed.
28 Responses to “Stiffer penalties for nefarious crimes- Premier Fahie on recent homicides”
And few have any respect for those letting them get away with it.
And few have any respect for those letting them get away with it.
On an commercial level, insurance costs end up being more expensive for everyone due to idiots that do not maintain their vehicles or drive without paying attention. Suffering consequences for your own choices and actions seems to be an alien concept for many that live here.
Back then the VI was a different place, less affected by our bad behavior, not an excuse but you can understand.
the locals and where the known habitats of the illegals and their illegall doings are open secrets believing your words Mr Premier is nigh impo (s ee )ble, more like a joke on your fellow VIslanders. Its all about the vote.?..,we get it.
Your other statement about persons engaging in illegal activities will be sought after vigorously and bought to justice. So does this entails security business owner and his wife picking people house locks and installing hidden camera in people home and showing those picture to her circle members and friends.
Well, I had quite an eye opened while attending college where few words were circled by a professor. People Tortola is small. Nothing is private anymore.
However, you stated as a government, it does not condone violence and zero crime of any kind. Well you talk the talk so I pray you do not let the fact of family get in the way of your judgments.
School children do not keep secret for long.
Her mistake was to gloat about being told by high ranking officials to deny all allegations. Hmm. shame on them. Justice for all you say?
a) we don't care about murders?
b) we care but we are afraid to say what we know in case we next?
c) our cops and politicians are getting paid/threatened by the gangster community so they will not investigate?
d) we care but because some of our relatives and friends might be involved we don't want to say anything to get them in trouble?
e)the criminals are experts at forensics and the dark arts, so they just don't leave any clues for the cops to follow?
f) we benefit from the same dark money that these people are involved in, so we just look away and pretend it didn't happen?
Seriously, is it any or all of the above? If not, what? We are such a small community that all crimes - from murder, smuggling and government corruption to riding scooter without a helmet and stopping on the two-lane highway - they should ALL be EASY to solve and prosecute.
What is wrong with us as a people?