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Poor public support for Stop the Crime Concert lamented

- Radio talk show host Paul ‘Gadiethz’ Peart questions whether some people really want to stop the crime in the VI
The Stop the Crime Concert on June 16, 2017 at Tortola Pier Park was poorly supported by the Virgin Islands communities, according to a radio show host. Photo: VINO/File
The host of the International Morning Ride Show, Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’, has expressed his disappointment with the minimal support from the Virgin Islands community at the Stop the Crime Concert held on June 16, 2017. Photo: Facebook
The host of the International Morning Ride Show, Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’, has expressed his disappointment with the minimal support from the Virgin Islands community at the Stop the Crime Concert held on June 16, 2017. Photo: Facebook
The Lions Club of Tortola was one of the community organisations that responded positively to the Stop the Crime initiative. Photo: VINO/File
The Lions Club of Tortola was one of the community organisations that responded positively to the Stop the Crime initiative. Photo: VINO/File
Some of the local artistes who performed at the Stop the Crime Concert at Tortola Pier Park on June 16, 2017. From left: Craig S. Glasgow, Monique Cassandra Chapdelaine, Shanda Glasgow and April T. Glasgow. Photo: VINO
Some of the local artistes who performed at the Stop the Crime Concert at Tortola Pier Park on June 16, 2017. From left: Craig S. Glasgow, Monique Cassandra Chapdelaine, Shanda Glasgow and April T. Glasgow. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The host of the International Morning Ride Show, Paul A. Peart aka ‘Gadiethz’, has expressed his disappointment with the minimal support from the Virgin Islands community at the Stop the Crime Concert held on June 16, 2017.

Approximately 100 persons, mostly musicians and artistes, attended the Stop the Crime Concert at Tortola Pier Park on Wickham’s Cay I.

During the International Morning Ride Show on ZROD 103.7 FM on Monday June 19, 2017, Mr Peart was at a loss as to why the community did not respond to the initiative when it had received full support from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and other organisations.

“We want to know what did not connect. What went wrong? The establishment of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force was fully, fully on board, the Lions Club was on board, several artistes from the neck of the woods were on board, but yet still the turn out that we were looking for and the support that we were hoping to garner, I don’t think it was fully, fully taken.”

Mr Peart questioned, “When people are saying ‘Stop the Crime’, do they really want to stop the crime? He further commented that some members of the public believe that the people who are pushing the initiative, don’t really know about crime.

“Maybe the crime machine has broken down so criminals are free to live among us,” remarked a disappointed Mr Peart.

The talk show host stated that Virgin Islanders cannot stop crime by just stating that they are going to stop crime, adding that the VI needs every single hand on board in order to stop crime.

‘Hypocrisy has to stop’

Looking at what may be some of the contributors to crime, Mr Peart said he could not understand why there is no assistance for a young person in the community who wishes to start up his or her own business.

He further stated that he has seen persons from other countries enter the Territory and build four or five houses with no problem.

“This sort of hypocrisy has to stop.”

He continued, “Crime breed because we neglect our responsibility and we say God is going to fix it. Leave it to God it is going to work out.”

The radio show host noted that since the Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews and Government are pledging to play their part, the community must come together and play their part in stopping the crime as well.

“We have already had six murders. Let me see if it’s going to take six months to get any clue. Let us see if it is going to take six years to get any clue as to who these murderers are.”

35 Responses to “Poor public support for Stop the Crime Concert lamented”

  • man (20/06/2017, 08:42) Like (7) Dislike (29) Reply
    It was too political we staying away until after elections
    • Kermit (20/06/2017, 09:14) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
      Ignorance at the highest level was just displayed in that comment.
    • two fools (20/06/2017, 10:29) Like (3) Dislike (14) Reply
      the two of them who out their sayin stop the crime is the two that is out their committing the crime in the vip party
    • POMPUSSSSS (20/06/2017, 11:02) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
      I know right? Not to mention the mr.gadietz always want to be in thing not to mention he always walks around like he owns the place...and don't get me started on his driving and parking SMDH
  • tretretrete (20/06/2017, 08:49) Like (27) Dislike (5) Reply
    God is going to fix it? People better start looking within and stop reaching for someone outside of self...slave masters really did a number on us...anywayssss I loved the idea Boss and others did with this concert (it was properly advertised), however..i do believe the timing was not right, After work on Friday...everyone is either heading home from a hard week of work, going their happy hour spots (which really shouldn't have stopped them, being realistic) or some just really don't give a damn...if the show was held on a night when not much was happening maybe a Saturday/Sunday, then maybe the attendance would have been better...I do commend the Hon Fahie for being present always there for his people...there is a big divide in this community, Rich/Poor, Blacks/Whites...
    • Sorry for saying this, (20/06/2017, 11:18) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
      but it needs to be said. Now, we truly know we have deep underlying problems/issues in our country when we can't even come together to support a cause. It has nothing to do with promotions; we just don't support our own. Let it had been some event featuring some music sensation, everyone would have been out in droves. When will our mental spell be broken?
      • tis true (20/06/2017, 11:46) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
        @sorry for saying this. We loveee to celebrate each other failures; it's an ingrained part of the niggerism mentality in de vi. It's destroying us from the inside-out. No love for one another atol, atol. Our country needs some serious mental healing.
  • That's because (20/06/2017, 09:08) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    CRIME in the BVI Pays for now! From top to bottom. But this illusion will eventually collapses onto itself and every single one of us will suffer as a consequence. "As Above! So Below." "As Within! So Without. "Cause and Effect = Karma." The LAWS OF NATURE ARE RIGHT AND EXACT.
  • 100% (20/06/2017, 09:21) Like (26) Dislike (12) Reply
    Typical drama queens. What do these guys represent themselves? So you hold a concert, label it stop the violence and people should drop what they're doing on a Friday evening and come because you say so? Now what? What's the next step in stopping crime? Have you gone on the road visiting the blocks and streets speaking to the young men in particular? Have you reached out to Government to assist with job fairs and education seminars to equip the youth with skills necessary to survive and live a clean life? Are you in the schools consistently encouraging the youth and having follow ups to ensure that your message is reaching them? Have you volunteered these same groups to clean a school, repair a basketball court, refurbish a library, plant a garden etc. to boost the morale of the youth? Have you gone on TV, Radio etc. with a consistent message to our youth encouraging them to take advantage of the many opportunities in the BVI for them rather than crime? Have you partnered with counselors, pastors and others who are directly exposed to serious ills around the Territory and try to help?

    So you had a free concert, so what? This was nothing different to a carnival jump up which is why more people didn't attend. Add some substance to the cause, get people involved from all across the spectrum and see something grow. Stop complaining and take a look at what went wrong and try to fix it. Having a concert on a weekend where there were over 10 major events, graduation events etc. and not getting a huge crowd is not a shocker. Stop bitching and do better!
  • Hmmmm (20/06/2017, 09:22) Like (17) Dislike (10) Reply
    Gadiethz, Boss & Steve involved in something. It must go without a hitch right? All have one thing in common, craving their 15 mins in the spotlight and always complaining when they don't get their way.
  • please (20/06/2017, 09:26) Like (11) Dislike (12) Reply
    Very poorly advertised. I understand it had a radio spot but so many people do not listen to the local radio these days
  • Needed a local (20/06/2017, 09:29) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
    Not going to help mick let him do his job
  • Wala (20/06/2017, 09:34) Like (8) Dislike (13) Reply
    attending or putting on a concert cant stop crime. Start with A more efficient police force and justice system
  • YOLO (20/06/2017, 10:03) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    i didn't know about it i go to work and come home.... signs next time i don't listen to the radio ....or send it out by text message.......everyone have cell phone get to the time
  • Airmiles (20/06/2017, 10:04) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    I just think, the community is divided... the whites support whites and the rest Island people stick to themselves. We don't offer anything to cater to both. Go Greenland on sundays, see how much does turn out there. You can ask for unity when you have a divided community. Look at the support from the pink 5k run, 98% was white and the elites. Why the locals don't support locals, still puzzle me to this day!?
    • @Airmiles (20/06/2017, 10:41) Like (24) Dislike (5) Reply
      That is pure rubbish! If the Stop The Violence Concert was truly inclusive, it would have included artists of other genres and race and it did not. It was nothing more than a Festival warm up and they tacked on the stop the violence part. No seminars, no talks, no round table, just a flyer saying come out and hear some local artists sing. That's it? White people do fundraisers that benefit our Hospital, Schools etc, do we attend? Reach across the aisle, plan properly and these things will come off good. Holding a concert at the pier park on a Friday is the stupidest thing. The concert should have involved youth speakers and others and should have been done on a Saturday from 4 pm until. That way people got a chance to prepare for it and even the kids could have attended and learn something. Involve the schools, teachers, parents of all races and nationalities. The Premier has his Christmas Party annually and ALL races, ALL Nationalities are there as one, what's the difference? Yes we have people that don't like each other because of skin color or where they're from, such is life. But don't act like the BVI is so far gone that we can never get along because that is pure rubbish.
  • loco (20/06/2017, 10:20) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    concert cant stop crime stop complain
  • Charley Rose (20/06/2017, 10:21) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am very disappointed that our political leaders are not addressing the matter. It is one of the most serious threat to the economy. When the tourists who are supporting our economy decide to visit other countries as a result of crime and violence, then our political leaders will appeal to the population to assist to curtail the crime and violence. That appeal will be too late. Too late shall be the cry.
  • u reap what u sow (20/06/2017, 10:26) Like (3) Dislike (22) Reply
    that should tell u and karvin something mr fahie .that's just how much supports the two of you all will get next election .please take note
  • Damn shame (20/06/2017, 10:40) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Only about 100 people turn out including myself. I hate to get harsh but, if it was a shake your backside, free food event there would be no standing room. No wonder the criminals is having a field day.
    • rewrsdffds (20/06/2017, 11:55) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      True, but they are saying the BVI is divided because the white people didn't come. Do we wait for white people to come to the Festival Village? NO! We support and do what we have to. Where were all the locals? Besides, it was a poorly advertised and planned show. Anyone seeing the flyer would think it's just another 'jam'.
  • Funny (20/06/2017, 11:31) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    This is funny! The locals didn't show up and somehow it's a division issue? HOW?
  • Testing (20/06/2017, 12:01) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's a true testimony to the dislike of these boastful, head swelling artist and musicians..Hope they all wake up and check themselves... Build good relationship..
  • EverybodyKnow (20/06/2017, 12:23) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Crime problem ain gon be stop by no concert that no one even know happening in first place. Everybody know who committing the crimes jus nobody want to be snitch.
    • Cut the Bu,?shi$ (20/06/2017, 18:52) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Everybodyknow, so if everybody decide to jump off the highest mountain in Tortola, everyone is going to do the same? Stop the S,?t about being a snitch. All these people that knows about a crime can drop a dime in secret to the police Comissioner and don't have to worry about it leaking out.
  • Bridge over troubled water (20/06/2017, 13:29) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think it's a bit much to assume that all those people who didn't attend a concert which no one heard about is a supporter of crime.

    If you want people to go, organize it better. If you want a more diverse section of the community to go, invite a more diverse group of performers (and organize and advertise it better).

    Better yet, you need to tell the story as to how this will make a difference. I haven't yet seen anything to suggest what this is for. It wasn't a fundraiser, but was just to show solidarity? People are busy and need to allocate their resources to things which they think will have an impact.
  • trrefdrfds (20/06/2017, 14:04) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    There was NOTHING in this initiative about stopping the crime, NOTHING! Where were the lectures, talks for example why not have seminars and sessions where former inmates who are now on the right track can talk to the youth? Why not have sessions in the schools, building the hype for the event? Why not directly target the trust companies and others to get them on board with your initiative? Why not plan it carefully and make sure things are in place before putting on the concert? Why have it on a Friday night as a lime, rather than during the day on Saturday or Sunday where it could be a family event? Why not get M.A.L.E and like minded groups involved so that when each group brings their crew and supporters you will then fulfill your goal? Instead of blaming people for lack of support you need to evaluate your approach and be honest with yourselves. Was this a stop the violence event or just a summer jam warm up for the youngsters? I was there from the start to the end and it just seemed like a regular concert and nothing about stop the violence. The young men in particular rolled up their joints and smoked freely with no care in the world. I didn't hear one message about violence, I didn't see anything about families, friends and loved ones of those gone before us to the hand of violence. Was the premier invited? the commissioner? schools?
  • What a ting to tell the king (20/06/2017, 16:48) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    While it's easy to point a finger and complain about what could be done better, maybe just maybe you should compliment this group for their efforts.

    Good job Lions club, Boss and organizers

    Peace
  • Well (20/06/2017, 16:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Marching wasn't going to stop the gun man anyways so those who stayed home was just as effective in changing things as those who went out.
  • Well Sah (20/06/2017, 16:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    @Hmmmm
    for your information the stop the Crime Event has nothing to do with Boss, Steve nor Gadiethz. The Lions Club group is who/what put on the event. when will ya'll grow up and stop been so negative and corrupt? God help ya'll
  • White callar (20/06/2017, 17:48) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ndp must go
    • ... (20/06/2017, 20:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Leaders with totalitarian tendencies always try to get rid of the very concept of objective truth
  • Pleaseeeee (20/06/2017, 19:02) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is so funny how people in this place knows everyone's business and you all claim you did not know about the event? If a dead fish wash up on shore in East End, within seconds, all of West End knows about it. That nonsense about people did not know is one big excuse. Tell that to BoBo the clown.
  • Liat 521 (20/06/2017, 20:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Another day in paradise, or just further substantiation of the time-honored maxim: No good deed goes unpunished.


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