Mr Sinclair H. Flemming Jr., Chairman of the BVI Chamber of Commerce said while the desperation behind businesses wanting firearms cannot be ignored, the Chamber is opposed to the use of illegal firearms. Photo: BVICC

Two of the businesses robbed over the weekend as robberies at businesses appear to be on the rise. Photo: VINO

Two of the armed robberies on business establishments on Tortola took place over the weekend. Photo: Team of Reporters

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) reported on Monday, October 12, 2026, that it was investigating three recent armed robberies at businesses across Tortola between September and October 2026. Two of the armed robberies took place over the weekend.

The BVICC, while encouraging businesses to take measures to protect their establishments and staff within the current constraints of the law, said more needs to be done. 

“How much longer can we expect businesses to continue serving our communities when their owners and employees are increasingly concerned for their lives?” Mr Sinclair H. Flemming Jr, Chairman of the BVICC, said. 

Transparent discussions 

Mr Flemming said the BVICC is calling for a review of the existing framework governing access to non-lethal protective devices, including projectile-based electronic incapacitation devices, subject to appropriate licensing, training, screening and oversight.

The BVICC also believes there should be a transparent discussion about the existing firearm licensing process, its requirements, and whether reasonable and lawful provisions address demonstrable security risks faced by business operators.

“We are not advocating for an armed society. We are advocating for a society in which law-abiding citizens have practical, legal and proportionate means of protecting themselves,” Mr Flemming said.

A cry for help

BVICC said that at its foundation, business is about providing value; services to the community, while creating employment, paying taxes and investing in communities. 

Noting that business owners already accept substantial financial risks, BVICC said what they should not be expected to accept is the repeated threat of violence against themselves, their families and their employees. 

Mr Flemming said, “We cannot allow a situation where the people who follow the law feel increasingly defenceless, while those who disregard it continue to threaten their livelihoods.”

Business operators, according to the BVICC, have grown frustrated and fearful that they are contemplating obtaining illegal firearms for protection. 

“The BVI Chamber of Commerce vehemently opposes the possession or use of illegal firearms,” Mr Flemming stated; however added that the desperation behind these conversations cannot be ignored.

Some practical prevention measures

Meanwhile, the BVICC encouraged businesses to take reasonable preventative measures, including: removing excess cash from business premises at irregular intervals throughout the day, where this can be done safely; implementing controlled entry procedures during later operating hours, where appropriate; installing and maintaining surveillance systems and adequate exterior lighting; encouraging employees to avoid unnecessary isolated movements late at night; and establishing clear robbery-response procedures that prioritise human life over cash or property.

BVICC added that these measures come at a cost as restricted entry affects customer traffic, additional staffing increases payroll, and security infrastructure requires ongoing investment.

Business owners were encouraged to continue reporting criminal activity so that the authorities can properly assess the scale of the problem and respond effectively.

“We should not have to choose between keeping our businesses open and keeping our employees alive," BVICC stated.