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VI has more to fear from armed gunmen than ISIS- Imam Cave

- BVI Islamic Society distances itself from ISIS
Imam of the BVI Islamic Society, Khalid Cave said the Virgin Islands should have no fear of the presence of Muslims in the territory. Photo: Provided
According to Cave, most of the victims of ISIS are Muslims. Photo: Internet Source
According to Cave, most of the victims of ISIS are Muslims. Photo: Internet Source
One of the deadliest attacks allegedly by ISIS occurred on Sunday July 3, 2016 in Baghdad, Iraq, killing more than 200 people. Photo; Internet Source
One of the deadliest attacks allegedly by ISIS occurred on Sunday July 3, 2016 in Baghdad, Iraq, killing more than 200 people. Photo; Internet Source
Junior Minister for Tourism and At Large Representative Hon Archibald C. Christian said the Virgin Islands should not take security of its borders for granted. Photo: VINO/File
Junior Minister for Tourism and At Large Representative Hon Archibald C. Christian said the Virgin Islands should not take security of its borders for granted. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Making his point that Muslims are often wrongly labelled as terrorists, especially with the many acts of violence around the world allegedly being perpetrated by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Imam of the BVI Islamic Society, Khalid Cave said the Virgin Islands should have no fear of the presence of Muslims in the territory.

“We as Muslims obviously have nothing to do with that organisation [ISIS] or any other organisation that is spreading terror,” Mr Cave told Virgin Islands News Online in an exclusive interview.

“We think that ISIS is being sponsored by other countries, that are not necessary Muslim countries. The majority of victims of ISIS are Muslims so I don’t understand Muslims killing Muslims. We don’t even buy the fact that these [ISIS] are Muslims, Mr Cave opined.

With the many shootings and bombings across the world, most notably in France, USA (Orlando nightclub), Belgium, Turkey and most recently Iraq (Bhagdad), being blamed on ISIS, much fear and tension has gripped many peaceful countries across the world and are now asking the question if such terrorism could hit their shores.

At Large Representative Hon Archibald C. Christian said the Virgin Islands should take note that it should not take security of its borders for granted.

Speaking during the Seventh Sitting of the First Session of the Third House of Assembly at parliament chambers in Road Town, Tortola on March 22, 2016, Junior Minister for Tourism and Territorial At Large Representative, Hon Archibald C. Christian expressed the need for the VI to be vigilant.

Hon Christian was speaking in the wake of bomb attacks in Belgium that left more than 30 people dead on Tuesday March 22, 2016. Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) had claimed responsibility for the attacks.

“Madam Speaker, it just goes to show that vigilance is something that has to continue on a daily basis and you just cannot let up on protecting your borders. And the same has to apply to our little territory, the Virgin Islands. Sometimes I think we take a lot of things for granted but we too have to be vigilant.”

According to Hon Christian, the world is changing very fast and “we have to continue to ensure that we protect our citizens and our residents at all cost.”

Fear gunmen on island not Muslims

Unfortunately for many Muslims the world over, the ISIS and ISIL labels are indiscriminately pasted on them, mainly due to persons' lack of knowledge of the religion and the terrorist groups and their agenda.

According to Cave, the Virgin Islands has no need to fear persons who practice Islam. He said what people should be concerned about, however, is the amount of people with guns in the territory.

“There is more for the people to fear from the people that have guns on Tortola, killing each other. There is more fear of those people than Muslims and ISIS.”

Recently, there has seemingly been an increase in gun crimes in the Virgin Islands, including armed robbery and shootings.

Real Muslims getting the blame

Meanwhile, according to Cave, the real Muslims are being blamed for anything that any crazy people do and claim ISIS or Islam.

“It is important for us not only to condemn ISIS, but also the sponsors and facilitators of ISIS, who continue to provide them with weapons that aren’t made in the Middle East. It is well established that Muslims are the majority victims of ISIS.

Which people are refugees? Which people are drowning out at sea? Whose babies are washing up on beaches? Instead of being profiled and labelled it is time we, Muslims, gain some support and sympathy.

Islam and terrorism aren’t synonyms. Sadly enough only Muslims are labelled. Jo Cox’s killer is a terrorist,” Mr Cave said, referring to the British Member of Parliament, Helen Joanne 'Jo' Cox, who was stabbed to death on June 16, 2016 by a fellow UK national.

What is ISIS?

The rise of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the Islamist militant group that has seized a chunk of land stretching from northern Syria to central Iraq, has struck fear into the hearts of leaders around the world.

According to CNN, the group began in 2004 as al Qaeda in Iraq, before rebranding as ISIS two years later. It was an ally of -- and had similarities with -- Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda: both were radical anti-Western militant groups devoted to establishing an independent Islamic state in the region. But ISIS -- unlike al Qaeda, which disowned the group in early 2014 -- has proven to be more brutal and more effective at controlling territory it has seized.

ISIS is putting governing structures in place to rule the territories the group conquers once the dust settles on the battlefield. From the cabinet and the governors to the financial and legislative bodies, ISIS' bureaucratic hierarchy looks a lot like those of some of the Western countries whose values it rejects -- if you take away the democracy and add in a council to consider who should be beheaded.

ISIS, according to reports, terrorise even Muslims who are deemed not aligned with their agenda, not extreme enough or not sanctioned by the Koran.

41 Responses to “VI has more to fear from armed gunmen than ISIS- Imam Cave”

  • trrefdrfds (05/07/2016, 08:25) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yep I'm with you on this one...
    • R. Fonseca (06/07/2016, 15:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      One of the most kind hearted and gentle man I have ever met and have respected was a Muslim, by the name of Mohamed Teraby, AKA- Mr. Alley to all, of Tortola Department store, he and Mr Noel Lloyd was to very great men!
  • Bvi man (05/07/2016, 08:35) Like (15) Dislike (12) Reply
    god bless our BVI Muslim brothers and sisters
  • wize up (05/07/2016, 08:38) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Progress of a country is a good something; but what this territory have gotten is unregulated progress: listen to our conversation in this territory Isis and gunman(progress)....I personally enjoyed those coal pot and coal pit day BUT I still to survive in these modern days, we call progress!!!!
    • Wendy (05/07/2016, 10:56) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      Also,we are now pondering whether or not to leave God out of the national pledge. Progress ah yes, it robs the soul but what is the alternative?
      • wize up (05/07/2016, 15:08) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ Wendy: the same God that our forefathers depended on when this BVI had no money BUT we found MONEY now so no need for Our Heavenly Father anymore .....
        • about time (07/07/2016, 21:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Somebody finally said it. We are confused. $ is blinding people's memories.
  • Wendy (05/07/2016, 10:20) Like (22) Dislike (4) Reply
    Try convincing the USA and the rest of the worldMr Cave., While we would agree with your sentiments,I have to say that the p r e s e n ce of Muslims anywhere is a perceived threat . A muslim presence in the V I,considering that this is a relatively new phenomena and considering that parts of the Caribbean have contributed manpower to Isis poses a threat to the peoples of the VI. Our security and our economy could be compromised at any given time .
    My opinion.
  • here he (05/07/2016, 10:25) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    but it is the ISIS-looking people who bringing in the guns?
    • Agree (05/07/2016, 11:01) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      FOR YEARS NOW AND THE ////// THEM KNOW IT AND TURN A BLIND EYE AND IT IS OUT OF CONTROL.THE GOVERNMENT IS BROKE NOW AND ALL THEY ARE FOUCUSING ON IS PUTTING PRESSURE ON US WITH TAKING WHAT THEY CAN GET OUT OF US .ANY ONE CATCH WITH A GUN SHOULD GET TEN YEARS IN JAIL AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FINE EVEN IF THEY HAVE TO WORK AND PAY IT OFF.
    • @here he (05/07/2016, 11:23) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      Brother, I'm a BVI Muslim and I beg you to report anything that you suspect to our Police. If you know something, don't just make a comment on the blog, please go to the police and tell them and let them stop who ever bringing guns and messing with the safety of our beloved BVI.
    • SHAKEDOWN (06/07/2016, 10:38) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      And what about the claim that Muslims in the BVI are supplying the guns that are destabilizing our country? Investigate and penetrate that ring. 100 Virgin Islanders singing the same songs can't be wrong. We honestly, Mr. Iman, do not trust some Muslims in the Virgin Islands, period.
      Remember 911, some were rejoicing in Lower Estate and poor Mr. Ali had to come to your apologetic rescue?
      Remember, the threats we heard from some of your people when a mosque was being proposed for Horse Path? We remember. It is questionable how the Iman can tell us we must fear VI gunmen and not told us to fear the influx of other migrants who can ban against us one day. Mr. Iman, we are not dotish!
  • @wendy (05/07/2016, 11:28) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Thank you for your comment, but I would tell you seek the truth and you shall find it.
    It's the same media and great countries who enslaved our ancestors, and labelled us black people as slaves, and they continue to label us as murderers and thieves. If we continue to believe all what they feeds us, we will continue to be their puppets and we will never rise.
  • just asking.... (05/07/2016, 11:44) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    The ndp thifing we money whats the diffrence
  • ReX FeRal (05/07/2016, 12:51) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    "At Large Representative Hon Archibald C. Christian said the Virgin Islands should take note that it should not take security of its borders for granted.". Hmmm.
    The man who used to be in immigration was trying but you help your gang to railroad him. Talk that.


  • Ridiculous (05/07/2016, 14:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    ever think that legal ownership of guns would be a bit more sane than ranting and raving against having them?
    is there something wrong with legitimate self defence or is that notion completely unacceptable to the BVI and
    other nations and territories of the Caribbean? Such childishness. Self defence is everyone's right. Especially
    in this sicko world we have now.
  • zoe (05/07/2016, 16:03) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Even masa has a gun
  • teacher john (05/07/2016, 17:50) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
    So happy he sets the record straight from these brain wash tolians
    • Havemercy! (06/07/2016, 10:53) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Teacher John, you can't be a teacher, because it is obvious from your post that since, in your opinion, Tolians are brain-washed, then you are not one of the brain-washed; therefore, you should not be living among the brain-washed. Would you be so kind before we deport your tail and deem you an undesirable, haul your arse out of our country and find your own country? People who go in other people's country and disrespect them with unfounded adjectives, we honestly don't want no part of you in our country. take your whole family, including the dogs and cats, before them skrable us when we passing the road, and flee from the country of the brain-washed.
      A brain-washed people built the BVI so your poo-poo could have eaten bread for your short time here. Moo-moo, it's time to go. Skatt, run fast. I aint joking either.
  • one eye (05/07/2016, 19:46) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    he better be careful the USA do not eye he
  • old (05/07/2016, 20:25) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    peop;e of the bvi i could see something comming for us every one please de wise the world change
  • Skeptic (05/07/2016, 20:37) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Not all muslims are terrorists but the overwhelming majority of terrorists are Muslims you can call them Isis are what ever. your religion comes from the same book.
    • fact (05/07/2016, 23:16) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Read the bible and read the Qu'ran and you will see for yourself that both books are full of hatred, anger and revenge. Religion and belief in these type of fairy tales is and always has been dangerous.
    • trrefdrfds (06/07/2016, 11:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Amen & amen. Iman can try to hide what their Qur'an teaches but the one who has read it knows that it preaches to it's members to kill and subdue.
    • @ Skeptic (07/07/2016, 22:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      We are a better nation than this. It's way past time for us to hold our politicians to a much higher standard.
  • ISIS (05/07/2016, 20:48) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply

    “We as Muslims obviously have nothing to do with that organisation [ISIS] or any other organisation that is spreading terror,” This is a logical inconsistency since:-

    1. There are declared Muslims in ISIS.
    2. ISIS practices terrorism.

    Therefore:-
    3. some declared Muslims practice terrorism themselves, or support an organization that practices terrorism

    So it would have been more accurate [or truthful] if Mr. Cave had said, “We as Muslims IN BVI obviously have nothing to do with that organisation [ISIS] or any other organisation that is spreading terror,”. But even that statement would have to be given the benefit of the doubt since support can be secret moral backing or secret financing.
  • Skeptic (05/07/2016, 22:52) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    Your religion is one of pure intolerance, hate, death and distraction. If given a choice to choose between living alongside the infidels "unbelievers" and the destruction of this earth you would choose the latter. one out of every twelve verses in the Quran implies that Allah hates non-Muslins, that's why there is no regard for human life outside the Muslim circle.

    Quran (8:55) Surely the vilest of animals in Allah's sight are those who disbelieve.

    Your religion needs to be eradicated from the earth for the sake of humanity.
  • solution (06/07/2016, 06:40) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    Get rid of ALL RELIGIONS and religious dogma, only then will ALL of the major problems and atrocities in the world, caused by religions, be solved. Until then, keep spinning the wheel.
  • Think !!!! (06/07/2016, 09:54) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder which book hitler read , how about the ones who bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki , since they all were Christians .
    • Skeptic (06/07/2016, 15:29) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
      THINK about humanity......... And not wonder what religion hitler belongs to. there is no difference. Muslins are otherwise They are all the same humanly invented cancers.

      THINK..... people have been killing in the name of religion for too long now. And to what end!? to prove which invisible friend is most powerful.

    • Senseyah (06/07/2016, 17:38) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Think, you are writing and reasoning out of context. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were not religious wars. Likewise, Hitler and the Jews was not about the religion, but about the people. You forget your history nuh? Ah bet them didn't bomb Pearl Harbour or no other U.S. post after that. There is no reason to destroy innocent people who have not harmed a Muslim or an ISIS supporter and who do not believe as him or her do. So it is not justifiable for Muslims to call Holy War and asking them to kill the infidels. It's getting to the time for us to close our borders.
  • Wendy (06/07/2016, 18:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIP Alton Sterling.
  • vg massive (07/07/2016, 07:59) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just a security note: Why is it that a mid east policeman in VG and a bunch of other officers have all the big security contracts with LDB and others and a bunch of people can't get a job? Isn't there enough crime for the police to be truly devoted? Man give other people a chance to nyam bread too.
  • Looking for truth (07/07/2016, 08:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is disheartening that in 2016 a black person can read Islamic books and listen to Islamic messages and still follow Islamic culture. Islamic racist messages are plain and clear as day. There is no excuse for any black person with a grade school education to be a part of such a culture.

    Some may say the same about Christian culture but there is an important difference. Many mainstream Christian books and teachings are vague and unclear, thus leading to individual interpretations. So you cannot blame a black person for being confused and open to trickery. But I believe the truth is somewhere in the bible and that certain forces have been working hard for centuries to conceal it from black people, specifically.
    • really ? (08/07/2016, 13:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Christianity came to you through slavery and the white master beating the skin off your body to change your name , now you have his name and his religion . You must be so grateful to him for saving you and finding the truth .
  • Weareontothem (07/07/2016, 10:55) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Looking for truth, a lot of information is now being unearthed about our black people. What is very interesting is that the Old Testament stories of the Bible are about black people, not blue eyed white jews. The first five books of the Bible Genesis to Deutonomy were around 5,000 years before Moses and before Judaism. Every heard about the book of coming forth by day and night? Judiasm got their religion from the ancient egyptians, black people. That is the first truth they tried to hide from us, but all that was in darkness is coming to light. The Edomites, they are a people of trickery, but the scales are being lifted from our people's eyes, and they are too looking for truth and finding it slowly.
  • I Like Man (07/07/2016, 15:25) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Uhhhh can a sister get a number? He is a cutie pie
  • Ecuador (07/07/2016, 16:49) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    As a Christian and Catholic that I am I met many Muslim back in BVI 99% of them great people. Please do not confuse islam with ISIS, ISIS Is Not, In Fact, Islamic, ISIS clearly has little regard for the fundamental tenets of Islam.

    -By the way Imam Khalid Cave, thanks for sending me the gift of a Koran translated into Spanish-
  • 123 (07/07/2016, 22:34) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    true true


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