Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, Mrs. Natalie Fahie-Smith delivering opening remarks at the inaugural Virgin Islands Anti-Crime Summit on Wednesday September 24th, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Scenes from the three-day Virgin Islands Anti-Crime Summit, September 24 to 26, 2025. Photo: Ronnielle Frazer/DIPR

Scenes from the three-day Virgin Islands Anti-Crime Summit, September 24 to 26, 2025. Photo: Ronnielle Frazer/DIPR

Delivering the Ministry’s opening remarks at the inaugural Virgin Islands Anti-Crime Summit on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, Permanent Secretary, Mrs Natalie J. Fahie-Smith, stated, “This gathering reflects our shared commitment to confronting and dismantling the criminal activities that threaten the integrity of our institutions, the safety of our people and the fairness of our economy. Whether it is human trafficking, labour exploitation, smuggling or illicit trade, these crimes do not operate in isolation and neither must we.”

Permanent Secretary Fahie-Smith further noted that the Ministry’s approach is rooted in partnership, prevention and action with the aim of closing systemic gaps and reinforcing a culture of transparency and accountability across all sectors.

Concerns were also raised with migration-related crime, according to Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mrs Nadia Demming-Hodge, who said irregular migration, fraudulent documentation, and the exploitation of legal entry systems are primary concerns.

Focus placed on strategic response

Mrs Demming-Hodge emphasised that, in addressing these crimes, the Department has placed focus on a strategic response which is centred on regional collaboration, advanced passenger screening, targeted enforcement, and technology integration. 

She stated, “Our border management system is integrated with the e-visa portal and the Labour Management System, which has increased our capability to combat illegal work permit applications. Enhancements to passenger name recognition will further strengthen security through improved risk assessments and fraud detection.”

Deputy Director of Trade, Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, also outlined some of the trade-related offences which are of concern to the ministry, these include operating without a licence, providing false information, obstructing trade inspectors, operating reserved businesses without Belonger status, and money laundering. 

Dr Bobb issued a reminder to the Virgin Islands business community, saying, “Operating a business without a licence can result in fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment of up to two years.” 

Dr Bobb further emphasised the Department’s prevention strategies, stating, “We want to bring about public awareness. We have gone to every district so far to tell people what trade is about and to get their feedback.”

The Permanent Secretary, Natalie Fahie-Smith, delivered the Ministry’s Pledge on behalf of all its departments, stating, “We pledge zero tolerance for corruption, trafficking, smuggling and all forms of illegal activity. We commit to upholding integrity, enforcing the law and protecting our systems from abuse. We will work with partners and the public to ensure that migration, labour and trade are safe, fair and transparent.”