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Paraquita Bay shooter 'not deserving of our trust & protection'- Premier Fahie

- urged persons with information to assist police to bring Catherine Pickering's killer to justice
Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has condemned the recent crimes and killings in the territory, as issue compounded with the latest fatal shooting of Paraquita Bay resident, Catherine Pickering during a robbery on April 18, 2021. Photo: VINO/File
Ms Catherine Pickering, 67, the territory’s latest crime fatality, succumbed on April 19, 2021, after battling shooting injuries. She was reportedly shot in the head during the robbery. Photo: Team of Reporters
Ms Catherine Pickering, 67, the territory’s latest crime fatality, succumbed on April 19, 2021, after battling shooting injuries. She was reportedly shot in the head during the robbery. Photo: Team of Reporters
Senior Opposition Legislator, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) echoed the calls and urged law enforcement to be more proactive in investigating the territory’s crime and shootings. Photo: HoA/Youtube
Senior Opposition Legislator, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) echoed the calls and urged law enforcement to be more proactive in investigating the territory’s crime and shootings. Photo: HoA/Youtube
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has condemned the recent crimes and killings in the territory, an issue compounded with the latest fatal shooting of Paraquita Bay resident, Catherine Pickering during a robbery on April 18, 2021.

The Premier, in a speech at today’s April 20, 2021, Seventh Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom, said there is no justification for the type of killings and other crimes recently.

No need for crime - Premier Fahie 

“If you need food for your family there are a number of non-governmental organisations and churches that help the needy, all you have to do is ask.

“Ours is a society of BVI love and members of society frequently donate foodstuff and other necessities to these organisations,” the Premier said.

Ms Pickering, 67, succumbed to her injuries on April 19, 2021. She was reportedly shot in the head during the robbery.

Premier Fahie reiterated that there is no place for crime in the territory and especially no place for those who breach the rules, values and principles of the VI society to prey on citizens.

Gov't condemns the 'cowardly & despicable actions' - Premier 

“They are not deserving of our trust and our protection, and they’re a danger to us all and a danger to all that we hold dear,” he said.

“Your government condemns in the strongest way, the lazy, cowardly and despicable actions of the handful of persons among us who refuse to live in BVI love and who do not care about the hurt they cause to people or the injury they cause to a territory’s good name as they betray every good thing that we the Virgin Islands people stand for in their selfish pursuit of materialism.”

Hon Fahie further called on parents, churches and community leaders to reinforce good principles in the minds of the territory’s youths.

“Because of that senseless act, a family is now without a mother, families now without their grandmother, a family now without a wife. A community has lost a good friend,” he said in urging persons to assist police if they know anything that could bring Pickering's killer to justice.

Calls for more pro-active law enforcement - Hon Fraser 

Meanwhile, Senior Opposition Legislator, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) echoed the calls and urged law enforcement to be more proactive in investigating crime.

The Premier’s statements condemning the recent spate of violent crimes were overwhelmingly supported by other members of the HoA. Legislators were afforded time to voice their concerns about the state of crime in the territory and to also express condolences to the family of the deceased.

25 Responses to “Paraquita Bay shooter 'not deserving of our trust & protection'- Premier Fahie”

  • Bigboomboom Andrew (20/04/2021, 16:25) Like (53) Dislike (7) Reply
    You should've started 'condemning' a long time ago. Where was the outrage for Trinity, and the man who got killed with her? Where was the outrage for the countless murders prior to and in between? Even in tragedy you create a selective mentality as to who is deserving of outrage and justice. Carry on. Too late shall be your cry. All the established families have their black sheep and they harbour them with pride, because though the fortunes attained through them are via ill-gotten gains, they are fortunes nonetheless.The goal is greed and power via any means, whether technique or tech-9. Carry on, carry on and serve the beguiled.
    • Stop it!! (20/04/2021, 18:08) Like (12) Dislike (8) Reply
      I hope the so-called Christians who are praying death in the name of Jesus on the murderer GO AND REPENT!

      Forgive them Father, they must not know what they do or either don’t care letting their emotions get the best of them.

      God will avenge evil. It is not your right to see yourself as sovereign to curse others with evil. You would be no different in doing so.
    • To Bigboomboom Andrew (20/04/2021, 18:46) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
      2017 -11yr old- shot in the head, 2021 -54 yr old - shot in the head (Yes, people it continues)We all know it's only certain people who get special treatment in the BVI....unless you are rich or famous when you die, they don't give a $#%+ . So, there wasn't any outrage for Trinity and Mr.Penn, but family and friends of ALL the innocent victims(YOUNG & OLD) please, just have a little patience and faith cause trust me, JUSTICE WILL COME!!
      • Observer (21/04/2021, 04:55) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        @Bigboomboom Andrew...Ofcourse there was outrage for the child's death. I recall reading the news. May the Police Force take the necessary steps to be more visual in the communities, even in drive-throughs...the installation of cctv cameras in more public areas and their installation by business owners (at businesses and at their homes) should help as deterrants to criminals. They have no excuse: guns are outlawed.
    • I want to... (20/04/2021, 20:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I want to weep, more
      Well said
  • Warner Brother (20/04/2021, 16:25) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
    Well said, Honorable Fahie.
  • @3 rd district (20/04/2021, 16:27) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Boy all you need now is a spear and a shield and we going back to Africa
  • Sigh (20/04/2021, 16:34) Like (31) Dislike (5) Reply
    Premier, all of these taxes you're implementing on people in these hard times, is probably the reason why there is escalating crime.
    For example, this late fee added to an electricity bill of your bill is paid late. Cut the electricity and make the people pay the reconnection fee. Why add this additional fee? People are already struggling. Take a look at social media sites. People are reaching out for help. Ayo just sitting down and passing laws because the pen is in ayo hand. People are struggling to make ends meet. Reevaluate your strategy. Cause it's not working.
    • Coco melon (21/04/2021, 09:24) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Every fee raising! Port fees raising, rent sky high, utilities sky high, groceries are past expensive at this point and minimum wage is $6.00! howwww? How can this work here? And majority of people hear only making the minimum wage. Only those sitting high living fine while everyone else suffering. They need to control the cost of living in this place or else things might only get worse and we don't want that
  • @ over drive (20/04/2021, 16:38) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Am pretty sure you didn't think it was going to get any better
  • NICK (20/04/2021, 17:05) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    we are blaming the youngs but we dont know yet who commit the crime..
    • Lemme Guess (20/04/2021, 20:46) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      A young black man between the ages of 16-27. Wearing black clothing .A hoodie. Mask over face. THUS....NO ONE KNOWS. what a load of poop!
  • They don’t (20/04/2021, 17:20) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Want that Andrew they want fast money and plenty.
    U are our premiere and you’re doing enough we appreciate it.
    However there are those who wants the whole cake not the slices.
  • So Sad... (20/04/2021, 17:33) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    ...that his woman has lost her life by senseless violence. And so sad that violence has been on the rise in the BVI (as it has been in much of the world).
    Thank you Mr. Premier for addressing the People at this time.
    • @ So Sad (20/04/2021, 17:44) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
      Yes, but he also needs to further address the drugs & guns coming into the Territory. If it wasn't for the boatloads of illegal contraband that has been coming into these islands recently thus may not have even happened....
  • Oh Please (20/04/2021, 17:47) Like (40) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mr. Premier, would you please quit with that stupid BVILOVE slogan??? Especially since it is apparent that it does not exist? My god what a stupid and misplaced slogan.
    • please (20/04/2021, 22:23) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      There has always been BVI love. Don’t judge us all by the ignorant few and those bloggers trying to cause division. Integrate a bit more like those who came to our shores back in the day and you will experience true BVI love.
  • NB (20/04/2021, 19:04) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ohhh here we go again with that stupid BVILOVE crap. Me ain’t see it yet and I only change my glasses last month. well sah
  • Rubber Duck (20/04/2021, 19:19) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    No. Those who are powerless condemn. Those in power act.
  • Tadow (20/04/2021, 19:28) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    Premier Fahie let me tell you, that good somarathon talk can't cut it and it's ain't going to cut it. What we the business communities of these Virgin Islands want to here is that legislations will be enacted allowing each an every business owner who is desirous of arming themselves can do so to back those devils up. The good that good somarathon talk has expired umpteen of years ago as the old folks would term it. We want to hear shoot first and ask questions later. Enough with the that good somarathon talk, it is BS. A criminal should be treated as such. We will be like hunters, no stone will be left unturned. Premier Fahie you really want to get these Virgin Islands like they were umpteen of years ago, this is the approach. FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE PREMIER. Rid yourself the good somarathon. Tunr loose the warrior.
  • Well (20/04/2021, 22:07) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Where are the cameras all over the BVI? How long will we continue to wait? The BVI is very selective when it comes to crime. We watch the young men on the corners, on bar steps and outside supermarkets selling drugs every day. Get real on crime and stamp it out. Police do stop and search de people call the a minister; the police tase people for non compliance de people call the minister. Lord help us and send us real leaders.
  • Masa Pasa (21/04/2021, 05:34) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I hope Cos rott up Balo. When i had my vybe going on you were dirty talking me, not even man enough to my face. Lets see who get the last laugh now.
  • Erase the hate (21/04/2021, 05:53) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where is Black Lives Matter, where is the out rage, where are the protest..... we needs the community to rally together for a good cause and burn out the wicked. Condolences to the family.
  • @hush (21/04/2021, 09:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHEN THESE HOLY NICE LOVING CHILD CAUGHT AFTER COMMITTING MURDER THE NATIVES START HOLLERING - OH HOW NICE / LOVING /KIND / YOUNG AND THEY DESERVE TO BE GIVEN A BREAK BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T MEAN TO DO IT / AND THEIR FAMILY WHO CONTROLS THE SO CALLED JUSTICE SYSTEM WILL JUST PAT THEM ON THE SHOLDER AND SAY DO NOT COME BACK EVEN AFTER SEVERAL APPEARANCES / SO WHAT IS THE MESSAGE THAT IS BEING SENT ? THEN THOSE SAME HOLY YOUTHS GOES BACK ON THE BLOCK AND BRAGS TO HIS BUDDIES ( YEAH I BEAT THA RAP , U KNO WHO I IS


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