Gun licenses in the Virgin Islands are tightly controlled by the governor and rarely granted—a result of U.K. policy that discourages civilian ownership—Premier Natalio D. Wheatley said on Oct. 8 in an interview on Virgin Islands Voice with Government Communications Director Karia Christopher.
“Internal security is a matter that presently falls under the governor, and they don’t encourage gun ownership outside of the law enforcement agencies,” Hon. Wheatley said. While residents may apply for licenses, he added, “it has been very difficult for persons to get licenses.”
He noted that even police officers are typically unarmed, with an Armed Response Unit deployed when necessary.
Hon. Wheatley said any change in control over internal security would require constitutional action; he has argued that responsibility should ultimately rest with the elected government. His comments came amid public concern after recent robberies and a shooting, as the National Security Council prepared to review ongoing investigations.
