UPDATE: Security ‘strengthened’ across territory due to alleged ‘terror threat’
On April 14, 2016 social media was buzzing over a statement which indicated that terrorists had planned to “blow up” the Terrance B. International Airport on Beef Island as well as airports in the US Virgin Islands.
According to the statement posted online, the terrorist act was planned for today, April 15, 2016.
According to a press release from the Department of Information late yesterday, April 14, 2016, the National Security Council (NSC), jointly chaired by the Governor John Duncan, OBE and the Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, convened a special meeting on the afternoon of April 14, 2016 to consider appropriate action in light of the potential security threat to the territory.
It said NSC reviewed the available information on the potential security threat to the territory and noted that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is working closely with other law enforcement agencies, including with the FBI.
“The NSC decided to strengthen security across the Territory as a precautionary measure and also requested the public to remain vigilant in light of a possible threat and to report any suspicious activity by telephoning 311 or 1-800-TIPS (8477).
“The NSC also advised that those persons with travel plans may experience limited disruptions.”
See article published April 14, 2016
VI investigating airport bombing ‘threat’
- National Security Council to meet this afternoon to consider ‘appropriate action’
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) are responding to information received in relation to a possible threat to the airports across the Virgin Islands.
Earlier today, April 14, 2016 social media was buzzing over a statement which indicated that terrorists had planned to “blow up” the Terrance B. International Airport on Beef Island as well as airports in the US Virgin Islands.
The statement read: “The Sector San Juan Command Center received a call from someone identifying themselves as “Andrew Miller” stating that his friend is an ISIS Fanatic and intends on carrying out an attack on the Beef Island Airport in BVI. The caller stated that his friend, and others, plan to blow up the airport on Friday 15APR16 and also plan on targeting St Croix, St Thomas, and St John. No further information was gathered from the phone call. FBI law enforcement agencies have been notified.
Although we don’t know how credible the threat is, we strongly recommend your security team to take it serious and exercise vigilance.
I will forward any additional details received and notify you if the MARSEC level should change.”
National Security Council to meet
Meanwhile, Governor John S. Duncan, OBE, via a press release, indicated that he was aware of reports circulating on local social media channels about a potential terrorist threat to the territory.
“The RVIPF are investigating these reports. The BVI National Security Council, jointly chaired by the Governor and Premier will meet early this afternoon to consider appropriate action,” the press release from the Governor’s Office stated.
Meanwhile, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the BVI Airport Authority have taken the “possible threat” seriously.
Airport security ‘reviewed’
According to a statement from the RVIPF today, April 14, 2016, BVI Airport Authority Managing Director Mr Denniston S. Fraser and Acting Commissioner of Police Mr Alwin James took steps this morning to review the security of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.
"We have received information of a possible threat to airports across the Virgin Islands, including Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, and we are working closely with the FBI currently on the matter. We cannot yet be sure that this information is credible. Meantime, we have reviewed and stepped up security at the airport and continue to look at public safety as our main priority,” both heads said in a joint statement.
The advice given to people traveling, at any time, is to remain vigilant.
“Should you see anybody acting suspiciously or see any unattended baggage, please contact a member of security staff or other airport personnel,” the press release stated.
It further said the authorities have stressed that it is business as usual but have recommended that passengers present themselves three hours before their departure to give themselves sufficient time during this weekend's heightened vigilance.
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43 Responses to “UPDATE: Security ‘strengthened’ across territory due to alleged ‘terror threat’”
http://www.caribbean-council.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Oct19-ISIS-A-moment-for-Caribbean-reflection.pdf
Sure and we all need to look out never know what they came back home for ..
REALLY destructive. Us president Obama; well that may be Al Quitda also, after all is considered. Bunch of
terrorists.