Alliance Calls for United Front Against Gun Violence in Virgin Islands

Members of the Alliance in the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands have issued a collective call for national unity and reflection amid a troubling rise in gun violence across the Territory, stressing that the situation must not be allowed to become the norm.

“The challenges we now confront are not normal, and we must never allow them to become the norm in our beloved Territory,” the Alliance said in a statement. “No family, no child, no community walks away untouched by the fear and psychological impact of such violence.”

The Alliance emphasised that the crisis is not defined by a single incident but reflects a growing pattern of firearm use that threatens to destabilise society. They warned that this violence is eroding the foundations of law and order, creating an environment where families live in constant fear.

“This is not normal, and it is not acceptable,” the statement continued, calling for a united national response. “Now, more than ever, we must come together in a national chorus of peace and unity.”

To address the escalating violence, the Alliance has renewed its call for a comprehensive National Crime Reduction Strategy, which they said must involve coordinated efforts by the Government and various stakeholders. The strategy, they argued, should balance strict law enforcement with robust social support, economic opportunities, and sustainable, community-based interventions aimed at reducing the root causes of crime.

The Alliance also called for immediate legislative amendments to close what they described as a critical gap in the Territory’s legal framework. They pointed out that while the possession of a firearm currently carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, possession of ammunition or explosives is subject to a much lighter penalty—a $500 fine or six months’ imprisonment.

“It is not logical to assume that an individual in possession of ammunition or explosives has no access to a firearm,” the Alliance said, calling for the penalties to be brought in line with those for firearm possession, including a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

They also stressed the importance of proactive community support, including youth outreach, trauma support for survivors, and significant investment in crime-fighting resources.

“We refuse to accept a future where parents are afraid to let their children play outside or where families live in fear of preventable acts of violence,” the statement said.

The Alliance ended their message with a call for unity, encouraging residents to come forward with any information that could assist law enforcement in addressing the recent surge in violence.

“The fight against gun violence goes beyond legislation; it is about saving lives, restoring peace, and securing the future of the Virgin Islands for generations to come,” they said.