(L-R) Alliance Members Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL), Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6), and Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2). Photo: Facebook

Gun and ammunition recovered by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force in March 2025. Photo: RVIPF

Scene of a recent fatal shooting incident on Tortola. Photo: VINO

The Alliance, in a public statement on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, said the Territory is now facing an “alarming and deeply troubling rise in gun violence”, calling these challenges “not normal”. 

“We must never allow them to become the norm in our beloved Territory…This crisis, however, is not defined by a single incident. It is a growing pattern…Now, more than ever, we must come together in a national chorus of peace and unity…We must all raise our voices and act with urgency to end gun violence once and for all,” Alliance members, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6), Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), and Stacy R. Mather (AL) said in their statement. 

National Crime Reduction Strategy & stiffer penalties for offenders 

The Alliance reiterated the need for the development and implementation of a National Crime Reduction Strategy. 

“This strategy must be a coordinated and comprehensive plan led by the Government and supported by various stakeholders. It must balance law enforcement with robust social support, economic opportunities, and sustainable, community-based interventions,” the Alliance added. 

They also called for legislative amendments relating to the possession of ammunition and explosives. 

Currently, the possession of firearms carries a minimum mandatory sentence of five years imprisonment, while the possession of ammunition or explosives carries a $500 fine or six months’ imprisonment. 

“This inconsistency cannot continue,” the Alliance argued in the statement, adding, “It is not logical to assume that an individual in possession of ammunition or explosives has no access to a firearm.”

In order to right this inconsistency, the Alliance called for the penalty for possession of ammunition and explosives to be brought in line with firearm possession, including a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

Residents need to play their part- The Alliance

“As citizens of this Territory, we refuse to accept a future where parents are afraid to let their children play outside or where families live in fear of preventable acts of violence.”

The Alliance said as lawmakers, we will continue to advocate for meaningful investment in youth outreach and development programmes; trauma support for survivors, with a focus on healing rather than neglect; proactive accountability measures to prevent violence before it occurs; and significant crime-fighting initiatives and the resources to support them.

“We encourage every resident to play their part by coming forward with any information that could assist law enforcement in solving recent acts of violence. Your voice could be the key to preventing further harm. As a people who are blessed to call these islands home, let us stand united—not in fear, but in firm resolve.”

The Alliance’s statement said this fight against gun violence goes beyond legislation as it is also about saving lives, restoring peace, and securing the future of the Virgin Islands for generations to come. 

“Together, through trust, cooperation, and courage, we can help bring justice, healing, and lasting safety to our communities.”