Crime/Police
Gun Incidents Continue To Rise In BVI
– Man Shot In Harrigan Estate
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force this afternoon confirmed that a man was shot in the Harrigan Estate area on Tortola.
Reports on Wednesday, May 31 are that the man’s wound appeared to be non life threatening.
The injured man’s identity is yet to be released by Police. Investigations are continuing.
With the steady increase of gun incidents in the territory, safety continues to be a top priority for the government.
Earlier this month, Governor John Rankin and Premier Natalio Wheatley publicly appealed to residents to share information about criminal activities with the Major Incident Team at 368-9410, or through the Crimestoppers hotline number 800-8744.
The joint appeal came following the April 30 fatal shooting of Kemo A. Lettsome in Long Look on Tortola, and the killings earlier this year of Yan Edwards and Jahkeem Christopher.
Governor Rankin and Premier Wheatley fully support the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force efforts to keep the territory safe.
Crime/Police
East End Police Station Reopens After Temporary Closure
The East End Police Station, previously closed due to ongoing sewerage works, is set to reopen its doors today, Friday, May 3.
The closure had been necessitated by sewerage works conducted by the Government of the Virgin Islands in the station’s parking lot.
Despite the station’s closure, law enforcement services in the East End district remained uninterrupted, with officers maintaining 24/7 patrols to ensure community safety. Residents were encouraged to contact officers directly at 368-9704 for immediate assistance or to report emergencies.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this time,” stated a spokesperson for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
With the reopening of the East End Police Station, residents can once again rely on the presence of local law enforcement for their safety and security needs.
Crime/Police
Joint Task Force Mobilised in Search for Illegal Migrants
Following a tip-off received on Thursday, April 25th, the Department of Immigration has activated a coordinated effort to locate suspected illegal migrants, with Peter Island emerging as a focal point in the ongoing investigation.
Prompted by this information, the Department of Immigration engaged HM Customs and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to form a Joint Task Force. Their collaborative efforts have been directed towards Peter Island, where two Indian nationals have already been apprehended. However, it is suspected that additional migrants, possibly of various nationalities, remain at large on the island.
Members of the Joint Task Force are committed to thoroughly conducting searches, not only on Peter Island but also across other potential locations, as authorities intensify efforts to locate the remaining migrants.
Anyone with relevant information should contact the Department of Immigration at 468-4705, 468-4717, 468-4754, or the RVIPF at 311.
Crime/Police
Two Men Charged with Murder in Connection to Kemo Lettsome’s Shooting Death
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested and charged 32-year-old Vernon Bernard from Manuel Reef and 28-year-old Jelani Marquis from Hannah’s Estate with the murder of Kemo Lettsome. The arrests were the result of an investigation spanning nearly a year.
Lettsome lost his life during a family gathering when he was fatally shot.
Commissioner Collins of the RVIPF praised the dedication and tenacity of the officers involved, stating, “I commend the exemplary dedication and tireless efforts of our officers who have been instrumental in reaching this pivotal stage of the investigation. Their commitment to justice and community safety has been unwavering, and it’s their hard work that brings us closer to justice for the victim and his family.”
While the investigation continues, the RVIPF assures the public of their commitment to gather all necessary evidence while respecting the integrity of the process.
Expressing gratitude for the community’s support and cooperation, the RVIPF urged anyone with information about this or any other murder within the territory to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-8477(TIPS) or the RVIPF Intelligence Department at 368-9339. All information provided will be treated as confidential.
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