VI has requested 'more assistance' from UK to combat organised crime- Premier Wheatley
This information was shared by Premier and Finance Minister Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) during a press conference on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Premier Wheatley, who recently returned from the United Kingdom where he held talks with the UK Overseas Territories Minister and other officials, emphasised that organised crime poses a threat to the entire region, not just the Virgin Islands, as many countries within CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are facing similar issues.
He stated, “We know that groups are operating across national boundaries, making it essential for us to work together to confront these criminal organisations that function between Central America and various islands, extending to the United States and beyond. These criminals possess significant resources, substantial funding, equipment, and, of course, access to firearms.”
'This is a real threat'- Premier Wheatley
He further acknowledged the gravity of the situation, saying, “This is a real threat that we must address with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. We have asked the United Kingdom for more assistance, as they hold responsibility for our internal and external security.”
Wheatley expressed gratitude for the presence of HMS Medway in the region, especially during hurricane season, but reiterated the request for a more permanent UK presence in the Caribbean to effectively disrupt human trafficking, drug smuggling, and gun smuggling.
He indicated that while they appreciate the support received so far, they believe that more can be done in light of the threats they face.
Additionally, he remarked that organised crime is a challenge for everyone. He acknowledged that it's not that these issues have not been taken seriously by the Virgin Islands government in the past, but it is crucial to recognise the changing nature of crime in the territory and to implement mechanisms to address it, similar to the actions taken by Jamaica.
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22 Responses to “VI has requested 'more assistance' from UK to combat organised crime- Premier Wheatley”
Opps! Is the former Premier photo still hang on the government office wall? If so, please remove it quickly. It is not a good memorandum to be proud of.
Opps! Too high prices for basic goods, and too low wages to pay for them should not be overlooked any longer in the B.V.I. if are, can not this be also classified as a type of political crime that needs urgent addressing too? Let's stop fooling ourselves, crimes are crimes, regardeless of which approach are being used, that have made them became historic reality.
Try put down the guys because if UK have to send in backup our people will suffer
few days back I made the above comment on a news site and dem call me all kinda ting
Now the leaders of this British Overseas Territory is asking for assistance from Britain to deal with the growing criminal activity
Just for the record; it is law enforcement who deals with crimes not the doctors or lawyers
One of the few things London have done for this territory is build A Prison House; we have water issues for years and look at our public roads
apart from HMP we had the COI from Great Britain
run chat dat
We want freedom, we want it NOW!
We want to give free money to fisherman and farmers.
We want to trade drugs on the high seas and make lucrative deals for ourselves.
Little known detail is that we are already self-governing with not a lot of success.
If you cannot combat your own crime we will come and take it over , with a new commissioner and might as well keep the Order in Council so we can have unlimited access to everything that’s going on here. Right ?
The Premier wants the Order to be lifted but asking for help to combat crime, to me that’s an open invitation to total takeover.