VI Gov't to implement National Crime Reduction Strategy
This planned rollout was announced after the successful conclusion of the inaugural Anti-Crime Summit, held from September 24 to 26, 2025, under the theme: "Our Virgin Islands: Safe Communities, Prosperous Territory."
The three-day anti-crime summit drew unprecedented engagement, bringing together thousands of participants, government officials, private sector leaders, churches, civil society organisations, NGOs, and a remarkable turnout of young people.
More than 1,500 students per day—from upper primary through secondary schools, including private institutions and students from the sister islands—participated, highlighting the Territory’s commitment to ensuring the next generation is actively involved in discussions on crime and safety.
The event featured lively panel discussions on key topics such as: Why is crime occurring in our community? The Cost of Crime, The Current Crime Landscape, The Three P’s of Crime – Prosecution, Protection, Prevention, and Street Life vs. Real Life.
VI 'ready to confront crime head-on'- Premier Wheatley
His Excellency, the Governor Daniel Pruce, stated: “The Anti-Crime Summit last week was a fantastic event, which delivered remarkable levels of engagement across government, NGOs and the wider community. It also provided important opportunities to listen to a broad range of perspectives and personal testimonies. We now need to follow up our commitments and deliver meaningful action that will help build a safer and more secure BVI.”
Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said, "The overwhelming participation of our people, especially the more than 1,500 students who joined us each day, has made it clear that the Virgin Islands are ready to confront crime head-on. This Summit was not just an event; it was the birth of a movement where government, community, and youth stand together with one voice, determined to create safer communities and a brighter future for our Territory."
At its core, the Anti-Crime Summit aimed to: spark a genuine, territory-wide conversation on crime, build consensus on practical prevention and reduction strategies, issue a collective community call to action, and gather insights and solutions from all sectors to inform the upcoming National Crime Reduction Strategy.
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7 Responses to “VI Gov't to implement National Crime Reduction Strategy”
Some may question, if there are such a thing as political crimes? Yes, here is one of many, not being an honest stewards or manager of your boss (the B.V.I people) financial matters. Of course deadly crimes against humanity is the worse of all crimes that need urgent response, beginning now.
Many that thank to the B.V.I RVIPF, and all those that have made meaningful contributions in their efforts of helping to curb violence crimes in the B.V.I.
However, human efforts void of God's supreme leadership is limited to a measure of success agaist the evil power of known, and unknown by human selfish, lustful nature.
It is time to stop lying to ourselves. The choices that we make daily, will determine the outcome of this new Anti-Crime Summit strategy goals.
No measurable targets yet
The rollout speaks broadly of “crime reduction” but sets no clear timelines, or benchmarks (e.g., reduction in violent crime by X% within Y years). Without targets, accountability is weak.
Emphasis on dialogue over enforcement
Heavy focus on conversation, panels, and community voices is valuable, but there is less detail on operational measures like stronger policing, improved investigative capacity, border control, or judicial reforms.
Youth engagement may not translate into long-term programs
Involving 1,500 students daily is excellent, but the plan does not specify follow-up structures (mentorship programs, after-school initiatives, vocational pathways) to sustain their participation.
No mention of resources or funding
A National Crime Reduction Strategy requires significant investment (training, technology, community programs, courts). The plan does not yet state how these will be financed or prioritized.
Weak focus on systemic issues
The summit touched on “cost of crime” and “street life vs. real life” but did not appear to directly address root drivers like unemployment, drug trade, porous borders, corruption, or ineffective prosecution.
Implementation risk
Past initiatives have often struggled in the transition from talk to action. Without a clear implementation mechanism, this could remain more symbolic than practical.