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‘Crime is an oppressive reality that must be stamped out’- Premier Wheatley

- Calls for full support of upcoming Crime Summit
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) giving remarks at the Virgin Islands Heritage Month Committee Emancipation Service at Sunday Morning Well on August 3, 2025. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said it is time that a war is launched against criminality and the selfish, corrupt ideology that undergirds it. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said it is time that a war is launched against criminality and the selfish, corrupt ideology that undergirds it. Photo: VINO
Some of the persons who attended the Virgin Islands Heritage Month Committee Emancipation Service at Sunday Morning Well on August 3, 2025. Photo: VINO
Some of the persons who attended the Virgin Islands Heritage Month Committee Emancipation Service at Sunday Morning Well on August 3, 2025. Photo: VINO
Some of the persons who attended the Virgin Islands Heritage Month Committee Emancipation Service at Sunday Morning Well on August 3, 2025. Photo: VINO
Some of the persons who attended the Virgin Islands Heritage Month Committee Emancipation Service at Sunday Morning Well on August 3, 2025. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has likened crime to an “oppressive reality”, as he urged Virgin Islanders to take a stand against criminality in the territory.

The Premier was at the time giving remarks at the Virgin Islands Heritage Month Committee Emancipation Service at Sunday Morning Well on August 3, 2025, when he noted that freedom from crime, political freedom, mental freedom, and spiritual freedom are what the Virgin Islands should aspire towards.

“Crime is an oppressive reality that must be stamped out from these islands. Those involved in crime are destroying ourselves, our brothers and sisters, our families, our communities, and our burgeoning nation.

“It is ultimately because people do not know who they are. They are being indoctrinated to think like villains instead of heroes, to hurt instead of help, to destroy instead of protect.”

The Premier said it is time that a war is launched against criminality and the selfish, corrupt ideology that undergirds it.

Crime Summit

“We will not accept it,” Premier Wheatley stated, adding that he is hopeful everyone in the Virgin Islands will be an “enthusiastic participant” in the Crime Summit scheduled for September 24-26, 2025.

He said the Crime Summit will allow the Virgin Islands to come together as a community and “shout a collective no to the criminality that is seeking to take root in our society.

“We will not allow it. We refuse to accept it,” Premier Wheatley stated.

There have been three fatal shootings so far this year. 16 illegal firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition have been seized so far in 2025.

7 Responses to “‘Crime is an oppressive reality that must be stamped out’- Premier Wheatley”

  • BuzzBvi (04/08/2025, 13:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let's start by getting poster boy pictures of criminals off peoples walls.
  • I hear and understand you Premier (04/08/2025, 13:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What are we truly going to do to attack the problem?Crime is getting way out of control. The criminals is past out of control and more brazen. They are breaking into people homes like they are entitled to do so.
  • bvibuzz (04/08/2025, 13:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    tell them premier
  • Big Richard (04/08/2025, 13:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We feel the same way about you.
  • Bravo (04/08/2025, 14:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stamp out the crime, but bring in the vulgar gun, sex and lawless criminal artists to prep the young generation to commit more crimes. Pose with them and big them up, but hey the message resonating very well. Say one thing, but do another.
  • facts (04/08/2025, 14:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why have you waited so long to act Premier? Your crime summit has been promised for the last 3 years!!
  • WHat !!!! (04/08/2025, 16:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don’t tell us what we already know.
    Come up with some answers or plan.


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