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‘We must reject the spirit of criminality’- Opposition Leader

- said VI must support law enforcement in ensuring justice prevails
ollowing the slaying of businessman and prominent horse owner, Earl D. Hodge aka ‘Bob’ last evening, February 9, 2021, and two previous fatal shootings last week, Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) has urged Virgin Islanders to understand that it is their moral and civic responsibility to neither condone nor support criminality nor to impede the process of justice. Photo: GIS/File
Prominent Businessman and the Boys Service Station co-owner Rodney A. Simmonds (left) and another man identified as Andrew J. Skerritt (right) were both found dead on February 5, 2021. Photo: VINO/File/Provided
Prominent Businessman and the Boys Service Station co-owner Rodney A. Simmonds (left) and another man identified as Andrew J. Skerritt (right) were both found dead on February 5, 2021. Photo: VINO/File/Provided
Businessman and prominent horse owner, Earl D. Hodge aka ‘Bob’ was shot to death last evening, February 9, 2021. Photo: VINO/File
Businessman and prominent horse owner, Earl D. Hodge aka ‘Bob’ was shot to death last evening, February 9, 2021. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Following the slaying of businessman and prominent horse owner, Earl D. Hodge aka ‘Bob’ last evening, February 9, 2021, and two fatal shootings last week, Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) has urged Virgin Islanders to understand that it is their moral and civic responsibility to neither condone nor support criminality nor to impede the process of justice.

Mr Hodge was shot to death at his Hannah’s Estate residence around 8:00 pm last night, while prominent businessman and horse owner Mr Rodney A. Simmonds was shot and killed at his Threadfall home on Friday, February 5, 2021.

The body of Andrew J. Skerritt was found in Carrot Bay on the same day and police are suspecting he shot himself.

'Concern, pain & anger'

“Over the past several weeks and months our beloved Territory has been shaken by heinous murders, violent robberies and major crimes. I know that all of you share my extreme concern, pain and anger at the flood of criminality that has befallen us,” Hon Penn said in a statement today, February 10, 2021.

“To the loved ones and families of the victims of these horrific crimes, I express my deepest sympathies. I know that there are no words that can adequately describe the sting of death, nor are there words and sentiments that could quench the pain that you feel. But please know that as a community we hold you up with love, support, and prayers.”

'Reject the spirit of criminality'

Hon Penn added that criminality is not who the Virgin Islands people are and that it need not be who they have become.

He urged the perpetrators of crimes to cast away their intentions of criminality by laying down their guns and following the path of uprightness.

“I call upon each and every BVIslander to understand that it is our moral and civic responsibility to neither condone nor support criminality, nor to impede the process of justice.”

Further, Hon Penn appealed to the territory to support its law enforcement in ensuring that justice will prevail.

“Fellow Virgin Islanders, we must reject the spirit of criminality! We must respect the rules of law! We must uphold our strong values and virtues! And we must recapture and rekindle our love for each other.”

He also called on the Virgin Islands to petition God to “impart his wondrous love and his mighty healing on our beloved Virgin Islands so that we can find our home -- back to who we are as community-minded, loving and God-fearing people.”

24 Responses to “‘We must reject the spirit of criminality’- Opposition Leader”

  • pat (10/02/2021, 14:19) Like (10) Dislike (40) Reply
    He trying to be in thing!
  • annudda2cents (10/02/2021, 14:36) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    until very harsh penalties are given to persons that are in possession of illegal firearms, whether they intended on using it or not, our talks and efforts of combating crimes that involves weapons will never be taken serious by neither the would be offenders or even the public at large.
  • Then stop (10/02/2021, 14:42) Like (12) Dislike (10) Reply
    I respect you coming forward. However stop by not paying C***Y to be talking piss online! Why not pay her to address the real issues that’s affecting the BVI? Yet if she have to be paid to talk about the ongoing crimes; she should be locked up herself. The crime issue is everyone’s issue!
  • The reason (10/02/2021, 14:50) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Talk to your people about doing right..
  • MAJOR BAY (10/02/2021, 15:17) Like (10) Dislike (20) Reply
    MARLON SHUT UP BECAUSE PEOPLE KNOW A THING OR TWO
  • Ggggzumbred (10/02/2021, 15:39) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    He customs officer brother still on trial? Asking for my good friends in Colombia.
  • inspector (10/02/2021, 15:41) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply

    Not because you wear a suit and get to walk in the house of assembly mean you not a criminal.

  • Sticking with foy (10/02/2021, 17:25) Like (9) Dislike (13) Reply
    He not ready to be our premier
  • Rubber Duck (10/02/2021, 17:26) Like (22) Dislike (3) Reply
    How about slapping some ten year sentences on those caught with guns?

    A lot more effective than appeals to their good nature and prayers to non existent deities.
    • to Rubber Duck (10/02/2021, 18:21) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      many of us with sense believe that they need to be stiffer penalties for those caught with guns and ammo. But for whatever reason, the place was left to become a lawless territory. Criminals BEEN killing our citizens AND CHILDREN, where was the outcry for the child that was killed? The sad thing about society is that we are always quick to spread false rumors and talk people business, but when a crime happens, everybody MOUTH SHUT. But, justice will come for the innocent victims
    • @ rubber duck (10/02/2021, 18:31) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
      Satan’s minion pressed on trying to convince us that Yahweh doesn’t exist but that’s what narcissists do best ....try to get someone doubt themself

      Lap your tail and march right back down to Sheol
  • Servant of the Most High God in Christ Jesus (10/02/2021, 19:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    "FELLOW VIRGIN ISLANDERS, WE MUST REGECT THE SPIRIT OF CRIMINALITY! WE MUST RESPECT THE RULE OF LAW! YOU SAID IT. NOW LEAD BY EXAMPLE. YES WE SHOULD, BUT WE MUST START AT THE START: THE TEN (10) COMMANDMENT LAW OF GOD TO US ALL. LOVE GOD AND NEIGHBORS . ONLY THEN WILL THE SPIRIT OF CRIMINALITY BE DEFEATED IN THE B.V.I. UNTIL THEN, "THE BEATS GOES ON."
  • Step 1 (10/02/2021, 20:28) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Legalize weed. police will have better community relations and be able to tackle real crime. Then stop and search for guns not for a dime bag
  • Trott (10/02/2021, 20:36) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    And drumroll the conman says...
    “Fellow Virgin Islanders, we must reject the spirit of criminality! We must respect the rules of law! We must uphold our strong values and virtues! And we must recapture and rekindle our love for each other.”

    He also called on the Virgin Islands to petition God to “impart his wondrous love and his mighty healing on our beloved Virgin Islands so that we can find our home -- back to who we are as community-minded, loving and God-fearing people.”

    Sounds good to get to the people purse.
  • Lawenda (10/02/2021, 21:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's really sad what's happening in the islands. As they sometimes say if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem. My sympathy goes to the love ones who have lost a loved one.
  • People (10/02/2021, 23:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    It start with you first.. secondly the police officers.. the way all the criminals sprit is coming from.
  • Ghost (11/02/2021, 07:08) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    You know some of you may criticize Hon. Penn for what he has said but he is right!!..this BVI now as we know it was NEVER like this!.. drugs, guns, greediness (money-grubbing), lawlessness and not Fearing our Creator, God is what have turned our BVI into what we see now but it doesn’t have to be this way.. and as for “rubber duck” one day you will wish you knew God when you open your eyes in hell but then it will be too late for you..some of us may have lost our way from God but we ARE STILL and WILL ALWAYS BE a country that Believes in God.. The “Only” True and Living God..so you and the rest of satan minions SHALL NOT PREVAIL!!.So spill your ungodly rhetoric all you want we know “Our God” .. your father satan is a LIAR! And you that responded earlier to rubber duck don’t spell satan with a cap “S” for even a lower case “s” is giving him too much credit.. our Country need prayers that God would Continue to Renew clean hearts within all of us- to Love and Fear Him and to Love each other more.and again for His Mercies and Goodness be continually towards us all as a people..and to you rubber duck- God loves you but He hates your sins..I pray for persons like you that your hearts will be changed..
  • talk is cheap (11/02/2021, 09:14) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    guess he have to say something. talk to you parna them and tell them to lay down their arms meson
  • Shocked (11/02/2021, 20:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope he spoke to HIS siblings who running 1/3 of things on the East. Stop playing politics and be careful with your words. He waited until the Huncho passed to open his mouth. COWARDLY to say the least!
  • Accounts (12/02/2021, 00:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The way people spell words these days makes you wonder whether you have the right spelling of 'regect' or if they print a new dictionary...reject.
    Nonetheless...Marlon go sit down.. You think is murder alone that is criminality.
    It is also dipping in the cookie jar.


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