Road Town, Tortola, VI - Spice BVI Trading, a small business in the heart of Road Town, was robbed on Wednesday during opening hours. From footage put out by the business on Facebook, ‘Gladys’ who most understand to be mentally challenged, appears to be the culprit.

The store did not indicate how much money was taken, but indicated to ‘Gladys’ taking their larger bills. “This seems like a premeditated act. She entered once the store attendant stepped away, knows how to open the cash pan and took only the larger bills!” the Face Book post said.

The business owner addressed the Government in the post and pleaded for something to be done about the growing challenge. “Government of the Virgin Islands When are you going to address the elephant in the room? Road Town is now swarming with vagrants and mentally challenged persons. Not a healthy product for Tourism. I know you see them too! Ever so often innocent residences are falling victim to mentally ill persons! Are you waiting for it to be your turn or that of your loved ones before some interest is placed on funding a proper institution? There has been numerous calls for this already. What has been done?”

The business owner went on to ask those responsible for ‘Gladys’ to step up please and take responsibility for her. “Get her off the streets and the help that she needs. It is not ok for others to continously fall victim to theft and violence from this person.” the post said.

The business indicated that the police had been informed.

For some time now, businesses, individuals, and tourists alike have suffered at the hands of the mentally challenged roaming around the streets of the main town area. The problem seems to be a growing one with no solution in sight. The issue does not appear to be of priority to Government despite reports of violence, theft and harassment.