Crime/Police
National Security Council Reacts to Homicide of Attorney Jamal Smith
The National Security Council (NSC) held a special meeting today to address the recent homicide of attorney Jamal Smith, as reported by the Commissioner of Police.
This unfortunate event marks the Territory’s first homicide for 2024, prompting NSC to reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy towards crime.
In a statement, the NSC expressed shock and dismay at the incident, urging communities across the Territory to assist the police in their investigations. They specifically called upon individuals who had contact with Mr. Smith within the past 24 to 48 hours to come forward with any pertinent information. The NSC emphasized the importance of cooperation and urged citizens to utilize Crime Stoppers and the confidential hotline for reporting.
“NSC continues to deliberate strategically on all options to confront and eradicate the scourge of crime in the Territory,” the statement affirmed.
The NSC also extended condolences to Mr. Smith’s family and pledged to introduce measures and relevant legislation to resolve this and other unsolved crimes.
Acting Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. David D. Archer Jr., echoed these sentiments in a separate statement, expressing his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Smith. Recognizing Smith’s contributions to the legal community and the Territory at large, Acting Governor Archer pledged his support to the ongoing investigations, stating, “I am appealing to anyone with relevant information to contact the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).”
The NSC, chaired by the Governor and comprising key members including the Premier, the Minister for Communications and Works, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Police, plays a pivotal role in addressing internal security matters and significant security developments in the Territory.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Crime/Police
Two Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
Dalfree Rodriguez De La Rosa, 22, of Hannah’s Estate, Tortola, and John Harvey, 33, of Purcell Estate, Tortola, were arrested on April 16, after officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) recovered a modified firearm, cannabis and ammunition during a stop-and-check operation in Free Bottom, police said.
According to the RVIPF, officers on patrol conducted the stop and discovered a Glock pistol, a quantity of cannabis and 13 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. The firearm was later identified as a prohibited weapon that had been modified for fully automatic fire.
De La Rosa has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of explosives and possession of a prohibited firearm. Harvey has been charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.
Acting Commissioner Kenrick Davis, speaking on behalf of the Senior Command Team, commended the officers involved in the operation.
“Their continued professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to duty have significantly contributed to the safety and security of our community,” Davis said.
The RVIPF said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to address illegal firearms and drug-related activity across the Territory.
Six new police vehicles have been added to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) fleet as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity in the Territory.
The force stated that the vehicles will support policing operations by improving mobility, response times and visibility across communities in the Virgin Islands.
“These additions form part of our continued efforts to enhance operational capacity and visibility across our communities,” the RVIPF said in a statement.
The vehicles are expected to be deployed on roads throughout the Territory as they begin active patrols in support of law enforcement duties.
The RVIPF also indicated that additional vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months, further expanding the resources available to officers.
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