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‘Stop playing politics with our lives’ – VI youth

- Says NDP Govt has failed to address gun violence
The National Democratic Party (NDP) Government is accused of playing politics as lives are being lost to gun violence. Photo: VINO/File
Paul Prentice was the most recent gun crime murder victim in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook
Paul Prentice was the most recent gun crime murder victim in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – “This thing they call politics is a very dirty game and they keep playing it on the shoulder and with the lives of people and this bull need to stop.” This was the expression of a youth who, ironically, works in one of the most senior offices of the Government of the Virgin Islands (VI).

The young man and others were discussing what seems to be a drastic hike in the number of gun violence in the territory and which they feel is very likely to get even worse as the economy, in their view, has no sighting of “rescuing the frustrations of youths especially”.

Today they are still shocked that there are persons in the VI who are daring enough to gun down persons regardless of the time of day or night and, according to the youths, because of the current weak legislation regarding gun violence, the penalty in the court of law is very weak.

The young man, supported by several others in his company on Monday December 29, 2014 while cooling out on ‘the block’, took offense to the Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D Orlando Smith taking the time in his Christmas message to offer condolences to the family of Paul Prentice who was shot and killed in Road Town recently.

"I take this opportunity to reiterate that there will be zero tolerance for gun violence in this community. My Government will therefore amend the Firearms and Air Guns Ordinance in the first quarter of 2015 to introduce mandatory penalties and gun control," said the Premier in his Christmas message.

“That is bull, we needed to see a release where he went to each family and gave his condolences. As I see it, this announcement to amend the Firearms and Air Guns Ordinance at this time is pure politics especially knowing that elections is right around the corner,” the youth, who requested that his name not be published, related candidly to Virgin Islands News Online.

The man added, “This was a issue long time [and] they promised during the last elections campaign that they were going to do it, nothing, now elections coming again is another promise, bull, bull, Mr Premier stop playing politics with people’s lives, stop it, stop it,” said the man who was deeply moved with emotion as he gave his opinion.

The recent brazen gunning down of Prentice in the full view of the public has sparked discussion among many concerned citizens in the VI, including the group of young men. “Look how far it gone, one of the biggest activities in the BVI during Christmas call off, you see the people who involved in this whole mele! Good, that’s how far reaching this gone and now when NDP term almost over they coming to tell me, the people of this VI, after so many other gun crimes that they now looking at amending what? We are not fools Mr Smith, go back to being a medical doctor you use to be a more caring person then [but] now it looks like you lost your heart,” said another man.

16 Responses to “‘Stop playing politics with our lives’ – VI youth”

  • youth man (31/12/2014, 08:21) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    To this article all I can say is AMEN!
  • Poor examples (31/12/2014, 08:26) Like (18) Dislike (8) Reply
    To me as a youth tbe NDP are poor examples to the youths. Everything they say they do for the youth is politically calculated and does not come out of caring for the youth but merely trying to fool us to be reelected. I see who most of them truly are through the way they treat their family and it ain't good. The way you treat your family is the same way you will treat the country.
  • People (31/12/2014, 08:36) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
    The NDP are masters at public relations games so they have mastered how to play with people's minds by spinning the truth with twisted statements that are played over & over & make it seem as the truth. For example they keep saying the economy is doing well while as one leader rightfully said everyone catching hell.
  • ... (31/12/2014, 08:40) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    NDP weak on crime, VIP strong on the econamy and helping teh lil man
  • morons (31/12/2014, 08:55) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    it look like the politicians today aint have no head. what is increasing the penalty for gun possession gonna do versus just increasing the penalty for the actual use of a firearm. This whole blitz on the media about gun possession penalty is a quick solution that people jump to without thinking.
  • Forbidden Truth (31/12/2014, 09:37) Like (20) Dislike (18) Reply
    The freakin Premier and his political gang does not get it. First the Premier has to realize and admit that he is a "Broken" man. He knows of the 30+unsolved murders in the last 23 years. In the last four years what has he and his ace spoon coons done legislatively to attempt to deter gun violence?
    Remember the Trinidadian who violate his home a few years ago and he was all non-chalant about it. Dont know if I should say wake up from your sleepless slumber, but the bomb is ticking to get you voted out because we youths are not going to take it anymore. We do not want to hear your self serving words no more. Enough is Enough man. Seize the time.
  • Gospel (31/12/2014, 09:46) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    It ain't like Dr Smith and his NDP team of deceives don't know what to do, it's just that them ain't got the balls to do it. Set of spineless good for nothing
  • Gospel (31/12/2014, 09:46) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    It ain't like Dr Smith and his NDP team of deceives don't know what to do, it's just that them ain't got the balls to do it. Set of spineless good for nothing
  • ABC (31/12/2014, 14:56) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    Please!! don't take Dr. Smith to task for what he says. After all, he is only saying and reading what the lady and his staff give him to read. He is an obedient man.
  • kids (31/12/2014, 15:48) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them need to be voted out tired of dem
  • just asking.... (31/12/2014, 18:05) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    What on earth could be wrong with that governement?
  • radio 1 (02/01/2015, 00:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Grow a pair of balls NDP, we all expect you to, so just do it.

  • facts man (02/01/2015, 22:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    right now only julien frazier can Make this nation remember how futures are built


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