Acting Deputy Commissioner Roy Stoutt explained, through an interpreter, the need for the whole community, indigenous, belongers as well as those who have made the Virgin Islands their home, to work to together to create a safe environment for all to live. Photo: VINO/file

The RVIPF hoped also to spark some support for the investigation into murder of Melbourne Francis through the meeting.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Roy Stoutt explained, through an interpreter, the need for the whole community, indigenous, belongers as well as those who have made the Virgin Islands their home, to work to together to create a safe environment for all to live.

“There are cases where evidence will allow us to bring someone to justice swiftly and there are others where we need the assistance of the community. We need communities such as the Hispanic community to join in this effort to keep the Territory safe and stand against those who would want to destroy it,” he said.

Several attendees volunteered to lead a Hispanic community group to liaison with Police on matters relation to crime in the community.

Detective Inspector within the Major Crime Unit Nigel Niven gave updates on both murder cases and appealed for support in the investigation into Melbourne Francis murder as he reiterated Government commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice through making monies available for rewards.

He announced the $100,000 reward offered for information that leads to the arrests and conviction of the person responsible for the murder of Colon Beltre and the $10,000 reward for information into the whereabouts of Alberto Rosa De La Rosa, the main suspect in the murder of Bautista Familia.

As part of the question/answer period, Inspector Niven also shared on the successes of the Witness Protection Programme. “Some of those who are enrolled in the Witness Protection Programme have already played a part in bringing about the convictions of persons in a number of violent crimes. Some are waiting to give evidence; others have given evidence and continue to remain in the programme. We always assess the risk to the lives of those in the programme. The programme is voluntary and those you opt to come out are always given the best advice around the risk to their lives,” he said.

Persons who wish to give information anonymously can call the Crimestoppers hotline number 800-TIPS. Crimestopper is used in many jurisdictions around the Caribbean to elicit evidential information that would link crimes to criminals. The agent answering the Crimestoppers call only wants the name of the jurisdiction and the tip or the information that could help solve the crime. No other information is requested. The number cannot be traced and the name of person is never asked.

Persons can also contact the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force at their toll-free non-emergency number 311 and ask for any officer with the Major Crime Team or ask to speak with a trusted officer.