The BVI Christian Council (BVICC) has called for a new National Youth Policy for the Virgin Islands (VI) as they seek to assist in combating crime and violence in the Territory in a November 2024 press release. Photo: Internet Source

The BVI Christian Council met with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) to help in developing and maintaining programmes to address some of the challenges to include mental health facing the Territory’s youth and young adults. Photo: Governemnt of the Virgin Islands

In a press release from the BVICC on November 20, 2024, the BVICC urged community members to work together to “counteract the surge of violence and lawless behaviour that is impacting our beautiful Territory”.

They noted that the recent shootings and threats of shootings are committed by the minority in the VI, the effects of their actions touch everyone.

Show love by working together- BVICC

“If left unchecked, we will find ourselves living with fear and distrust as we lose the sense of community and neighbourliness that has been a hallmark of our home,” the BVICC stated and added that hands must not be thrown up in despair.

“The BVI Christian Council recognises that we who call ourselves Christians must show that love by working together with others for the benefit of our wider community,” the council said.

As a means of doing their part the BVICC met with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and offered the council’s assistance in developing and maintaining programmes to address some of the challenges to include mental health facing the VI’s youth and young adults.

“We cannot continue to complain about our young people or about parents who lack parenting skills without helping to create solutions.”

National Youth Policy expired in 2019

The BVICC requested that an updated National Youth Policy, managed by the National Youth Council is needed to replace the policy which expired in 2019.

The policy, the BVICC noted, pointed out the importance of youth work in deterring violence, drug use, and early pregnancies while increasing educational and employment opportunities, improving social interaction and physical and mental health by building core values, giving youth a voice, and developing artistic and technical skills

The BVI Christian Council also urged more funding so that more young people could be reached.

“Given the wide cross section and the broad reach of its membership, the Council expressed willingness to work with the Government of the BVI to craft and execute a workable National Youth Plan,” the release stated.