Gov't begins plans for 'crime summit' in wake of Nyron A. Erickson's murder
Addressing the public at large, during Virgin Islands Voice, on May 14, 2025, Premier Wheatley confirmed that the National Security Council had met earlier in the day to discuss both the specific incident and broader crime trends.
'One murder is one too much'
He disclosed, “We were able to have discussions in relation to that event and the broader situation as it pertains to crime.”
According to Dr Wheatley, the government has commenced preparations for a comprehensive Crime Summit, which will engage key governmental agencies, civil society actors, and the private sector in a concerted national effort.
“Our plans have begun, in-depth plans have begun to plan a crime summit, which will bring together various agencies where we will put our heads together… to discuss what can be done to stamp out the scourge on our communities.”
The summit, he said, will involve the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Immigration, Customs, Social Development, the Ministry of Education, and various private sector organisations.
The goal, according to Dr Wheatley, is to preserve the Virgin Islands’ reputation as a safe and peaceful jurisdiction for residents and visitors alike.
“While we have a relatively low crime rate, we want to stamp out the scourge of crime; One murder is one too much.”
Gun crimes happening 'a little too often'- Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith
Acknowledging the traditionally low crime rate — “last year, I believe we only had maybe three or four murders” — the Premier nonetheless called for intensified community cooperation with law enforcement.
“We call on persons who could have seen something, heard something, to be able to contact the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and give them the information that you have, so that we can bring the perpetrators to justice.”
He was adamant, “It’s not just the job of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. It’s not just the job of the government. We all have to come together to confront this challenge, and I know that we can, and I know that
Additionally, Junior Minister of Tourism and Culture, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), also on hand for the broadcast, offered condolences to the grieving family.
“I want to extend condolences to the mom of the young man that was brutally murdered on Saturday, to her and to the rest of his family; One gun crime is too many. We have had quite a bit of gun crimes in our community a little too often, from my take.”
'Put the guns down'
To this end, she sought to reassure residents and visitors that public safety remains a top priority, particularly as the territory approaches the annual festival season. “Of course, during festival, we do have security measures in place.”
According to the Jr Minister, unless advised otherwise by the relevant authorities, existing security measures for public events would continue as planned. “We don’t necessarily feel that persons will feel threatened unless there is a threat that’s brought to our attention.”
To this end, she stated bluntly, “Put the guns down. Well, put the guns down, you couldn’t get it more simple than that.”
Additionally, Deputy Premier and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3), also issued an appeal for calm and public cooperation.
“I want to join the Premier in appealing to the public for their patience and their support regarding the state of what appeared to be violence; I hope that that’s going to be a flash in the pan and not something that’s going to be followed through with reprisal and the rest of it.”
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27 Responses to “Gov't begins plans for 'crime summit' in wake of Nyron A. Erickson's murder”
Provide parenting classes for the mother and father
Teach fathers how to be fathers
Find out the child’s interest from young
Get teachers who are not all about money
Provide jobs opportunities for them once they leave school
Provide career coaches once they start to work
Teach them to live with an attitude of gratitude
Make sure they give God thanks for their life and talent!
My 2 cents, someone might have their 3 cents. ????????
Teach our children from young to be satisfied with what their parents can afford to provide them. Teach them to be content with what they have. Some will always have more than othere but it don't mean that those who have more have better. The fast life, quick money comes with a costly price which is either prison or the grave, sometimes both. Ain't worth it de man. If it have anything called a jumbie, I am sure those who got gunned down will come back and tell others that dude, the gold chain and all the rolls of cash and high power weapons aint worth it. Leave it alone.
That's the free summit information
SHOULDNT THIS "SUMMIT" BE AN ALREADY ORGANIZED AND FUNCTIONAL CONSTRUCT IN A TYPICAL OR MODERN SOCIETY? Thanks for reminding us of our 3rd world status. I used to defend you when people criticized your ability to lead, but damn, I will hold my tongue in place moving forward. Word to the wise "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt"
Then start demanding more accountability from prosecutors (that is, why does it take YEARS for a trial to occur?). Then pass statutes requiring mandatory sentences that prevent judges from departing from the minimum unless s/he states the reasons in writing for a downward departure, and give the Crown Prosecutor the right to appeal, with the burden on the offender to show why the judge's discretion in a downward departure was warranted.