The Friday Sage

Jun 15, 2024 Commentary 0 Comments

“The danger is now in our midst.  The crown jewel of tourism, Virgin Gorda, was visited twice in ten days.

Residents and employees on the island are shocked.  Fear is palpable.  No one wants to work the ‘close up’ shift.

BVI subsists on its twin economic pillars of financial services and tourism.  One can be shipped out in a suitcase while the other will vaporize on issues of insecurity and crime.

The UK government is, constitutionally, responsible for security.  And with few exceptions, two by last count, they have always sought their own candidates from the motherland for the role of Police Commissioner.

Suitably qualified and experienced, they say.  And we acquiesce.

But although the kingdom is failing in its security duties, there will be no commission of inquiry for that would amount, in fairyland, to the rat calling for an investigation into the disappearance of the cheese.

Nevertheless, we are grateful that the present National Security Minister stated at his swearing in that security is of the highest priority for him.

Is it time to pay serious attention to crime on VG?  A private citizen thinks so and has organized a community solutions forum to seek answers.  

But the District Representative remains silent.  It feels like a repeat of the COVID19 response.  Or is it that the Cabinet has become numb and immune to crime?

House Members’ failure to ventilate the events of 28 April 2022 and re-examine laws and policies, in that light, is unfortunate.  They are teaching the young people that sweeping such issues under the carpet is acceptable; That criminal behaviour will be overlooked.  Does it surprise anyone that the community is imploding?

The time has come to, functionally, change the status of VG from that of the ‘mistreated stepsister (Cinderella) who has no voice.

VG should, at least, be led in her law enforcement, by a Deputy Commissioner of Police with a budget and real powers; With a seat on the National Security Council.  (Is constitutional review still an issue?  Have we named a negotiating team?)

Certainly, we are grateful that there is now an armed marine capability on VG and a detective sergeant and constable.   

We feel hopeful that an arrest was made in one case and police are investigating the other.   

But we demand more.  

We would like a greater police presence on the streets of VG, not a promise to check again.  And we do not know what the authorities mean by ‘an anti-crime strategy’ since the Minister for National Security has not found it possible to discuss his security portfolio with the people who, according to the lone COI Commissioner, deserve better.

So, we ask again; Do the people only deserve better when their politicians are on the hook but should shut up and move on when the responsibility lies with mother?

If the Minister for National Security and his staff are unable to protect the common resident, (Tortola seems already lost) then he is asking residents to flirt with the ideas of the viability of US second amendment rights in the BVI.

And then all hell breaks loose.  But that will also be the case if the prevailing inadequacies allow the destruction of the Territory’s primary industry.

The golden goose of tourism, VG, must be protected at all costs!  We hope the tourism minister and his Cabinet know this.  

For if the residents of this Territory are not safe; If tourists can no longer safely visit tourism establishments; If we have no jobs, no economy; What have we gained from the frequent visits to the UN?

So, we must, on our Fridays, insist on higher standards of safety and security in our BVI.

Happy Friday!”

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