Local News
Virgin Islands Urged to Enhance Disaster Preparedness for 2024
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JASEN PENN
As the new year unfolds, residents of the Virgin Islands are advised to create or update their disaster plans, according to Mr. Jasen Penn, the Director of Disaster Management. Reflecting on lessons learned from the previous year, which saw minor earthquakes, major flooding, and close encounters with tropical cyclones, Mr. Penn emphasized the importance of having action plans in place to safeguard lives and property.
Residents are encouraged to utilize free emergency plan templates for schools, businesses, and families available on the Department of Disaster Management’s website, www.bviddm.com. Mr. Penn stressed that having a well-agreed-upon plan can mitigate panic and enable swift, effective action in emergency situations.
Effective family plans should cover aspects such as sheltering, home protection, evacuation routes, critical contacts, and reunion details if separated. Business plans should also outline procedures for shutdown and reopening post-emergency.
Mr. Penn recommended testing procedures to ensure their effectiveness, suggesting individual exercises or participation in national-level drills like the Caribe Wave tsunami exercise scheduled for March 21.
The Department of Disaster Management remains dedicated to fostering a culture of comprehensive disaster management and climate change adaptation in the Virgin Islands.
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Crime/Police
RVIPF Seizes High-Powered Firearms in Major Crime Crackdown
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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has recovered three high-powered firearms from two separate incidents this week.
On Monday, June 24, RVIPF officers, acting on specific intelligence, attempted to stop a Kia Soul in the Johnsons Ghut area.
Upon seeing the officers, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers discovered two prohibited firearms: a Micro Draco 7.62 calibre rifle and a 5.56 calibre rifle equipped with a silencer. A substantial amount of ammunition was also recovered. Efforts to identify and locate the driver are ongoing.
Two days later, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, RVIPF officers conducted a stop-and-check operation in the Huntum’s Ghut area. During the operation, a vehicle search revealed a 0.40 calibre pistol with several .40 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, several items suspected to have been stolen were seized. Three male suspects were arrested and remain in police custody as the investigation proceeds.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mark Collins, praised the officers for their bravery and unwavering dedication to reducing crime and safeguarding the community. “These recoveries highlight the relentless commitment of our officers to ensure the safety and security of the Virgin Islands. We will continue to act on intelligence and conduct operations to remove illegal firearms from our streets.”
The RVIPF urges anyone with information related to these incidents to contact the Crime Stoppers line confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS) or, for international calls, 1-284-800-8477. The RVIPF Intelligence Unit can also be reached at 284-368-9339. Even seemingly minor information could prove crucial in solving these crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
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