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'We cannot preside over a gangster's paradise'— Premier Wheatley
This, is according to Premier and Minister for Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who today, January 13, 2025, fired back at critics, in his rebuttal to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Amendment Bill 2024, in the House of Assembly (HoA).
Responding to earlier concerns raised by members, Hon Wheatley was clear government remains committed to protecting human rights and that there must be a balanced approach to ensure public safety.
He was adamant; however, “...we have to ensure that our leaders have the highest ideals and are committed to the protection of persons' human rights” and “we also must defend the rights of victims and ensure criminals are held accountable."
Legislative Weaknesses
Further defending his stance, Premier Wheatley cited recent challenges with outdated and inadequate legislation and pointed specifically to the 2014 Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act and its subsequent 2019 amendments, which he described as flawed and insufficient.
"Right now, the structure, the infrastructure of our national security is not as strong as it needs to be," he openly conceded and referred to the recent ‘Astafan’ judgment.
According to the Premier, the judiciary's interpretation of the law revealed critical gaps and argued that "if a judgment tells you that legislation cannot do what you are trying to make it do, the responsible thing as leaders is to fix it.”
Further qualifying the amendments he piloted, Dr Wheatley questioned, "...are you telling me, Madam Speaker, in 2025, we do not have legislation that allows the police to seize a phone or computer for purposes of investigating and prosecuting offenses? That is irresponsible."
‘We cannot allow politics to overshadow our love’ for VI- Premier
Acknowledging recent efforts to address the issues, Dr Wheatley told members, "...let’s make sure we present an amendment bill that meets constitutional standards, giving the police the powers they need to investigate and prosecute crimes where phones and computers are being used as tools for criminal activity.”
According to the Premier "We cannot allow politics to overshadow our love for the Virgin Islands; National security should be something that unites us all.”
Further cautioning against the erosion of public trust, referencing past debates about the territory's autonomy, he recalled that "when there were talks in 2022 about suspending the Constitution of the Virgin Islands, some argued for it because trust in our leadership had been lost; We must rebuild that trust."
The bill is being examined clause by clause by a Committee of the whole House.
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25 Responses to “'We cannot preside over a gangster's paradise'— Premier Wheatley”
i guess vybz kartel going come sing gospel music to us this year.
Christian council quiet too
1. All residential areas, parks, business centers and public roads and highways are well lighted.
2. Security cameras installed around business districts ie entertainment, restuarants, banks etc.
3. Very noticeable police presence in these areas, as well as patrols throughout our communities.
Until actions are taken in these areas to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors, and to give us peace of mind that we can go out in the evening without being violated, "Premier talk is cheap, Action brings Results". So Natalio start working, there is a lot to do.
AND where is this gangster's paradise? Good golly.
No one is perfect but all of us in this territory have a part to play to make life better.