Local musicians and members of the community have joined the fight against crime in the territory by organizing a ‘Stop the Crime’ peace concert. Photo: Provided

But this Friday (June 16, 2017) at exactly 4:00 PM, the siren test which will be heard around the Territory will signal the start of a one-minute observance to remember those who died as a result of violence, and to take a stand and pray against the violence and crime that is creeping into the Virgin Islands community.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force will join local musicians and the Lions Club in this Territory-wide observance to “Stop the Crime” as they usher in this new move for change. A free, live concert showcasing the top in VI’s musical talent will follow at 6pm at the Tortola Pier Park.

Persons are asked to join in publicly denouncing the violence and crime by stopping wherever they are, whether in their vehicles, walking, shopping or working and remaining at a standstill -- reflect and pray until the siren has stopped.

Organisations will gather around the Road Town Roundabout to let their stand be seen at 4:00 PM. Officers of the RVIPF will join in the observance and will be on hand along Waterfront Drive and at the roundabout to provide traffic assistance. Local radio stations are being asked to halt programming for one-minute of silence. The national observance will be streamed live.

Stop the Crime t-shirts which can be worn on the day are on sale at $15. Proceeds will go toward financing crime detection and prevention tools.

Commissioner of Police Michael Matthews noted his delight that the RVIPF was invited by the musicians to be part of this observance.

“We welcomed the opportunity to be part of this community-wide pause and the level of engagement it is brings to the fight against crime. From speaking to many including the organizers of this Stop-the-Crime campaign, I see a general recognition and acceptance that there must be a community response to these acts of violence. We must collectively say, ‘No more; not here, not in my community’ and put a stop to this unwelcomed invasion,” the Commissioner noted.

“With the warning siren around the Territory on Friday at 4:00 PM, in unity we can bring an end to this manmade crisis and to crime and violence in our community,” he added.