Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), Premier and Minister of Finance, stated that although Rotary has achieved a lot, he believes Rotarians can assist in crime fighting. Photo: VINO

Michael Stevens, 26 (left) and Clevaughn Sweeney, 24 (right) were brutally murdered on Saturday, February 10, 2018 in the vicinity of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School (ASPS). Photo: Team of Reporters

Guest and fellow Rotarians enjoying the Rotary Club of Tortola's Fiftieth Anniversary celebration on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Charlie's Restaurant located at The Moorings on Wickham's Cay II, Tortola.Photo: VINO

Music selection from members of the Rotary family. Photo: VINO

Scenes from Rotary Club of Tortola's Fiftieth Anniversary celebration on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Charlie's Restaurant located at The Moorings on Wickham's Cay II, Tortola. Photo: VINO

The Premier was speaking at the Rotary Club of Tortola's Fiftieth Anniversary celebration on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Charlie's Restaurant located at The Moorings on Wickham's Cay II, Tortola.

"In my opinion the Rotary Club of Tortola has achieved a lot. When we consider what is going on in the territory with the amount of crime, its always easy to call on the law enforcement and say do something about it and we all do it," said Premier Smith.

He continued, "I want to leave you with this question, what else can Rotary do? I'm sure we can do something."

Is it retaliation?

These shootings came eight days after 26 year old Michael Stevens and 24 year old Clevaughn Sweeney were gunned down in the vicinity of Althea Scatllife Primary School (ASPS).

Last night's shooting brings the total number of reported shootings in the Virgin Islands (VI) to 5 since the start of the year 2018.

Community outcry

Meanwhile, ministers, religious leaders, and residents have been voicing their opinions and giving recommendations they feel can assist in stopping these heinous crimes involving the youth.

Sharing the same sentiments, they believe that community effort is very important.

In a recent interview clergyman and businessman, Bishop John I. Cline, he expressed the young men of society are seeking answers elsewhere because they cannot find it from the community, government, churches and even in the home.

In addition, the Commissioner of Police (CoP), Michael B. Matthews, in a recent interview with our newsroom, pointed out that persons are not coming forward with information that can help, while mentioning that he believes persons know who are committing these crimes.