Plan to fight crime urgently needed in the British Virgin Islands

Wednesday, November 12, 2003

ROAD TOWN, BVI: Minister for Communications and Works, Mr Paul Wattley, says it is time to put a plan together to fight crime in the British Virgin Islands.

He said: "We can no longer sit back and continue to talk simply for the press. That has happened too often." 

According to Minister Wattley, a correction centre is needed for juvenile whose parents cannot control them. 

He recalled that, some years ago, delinquent youths were sent abroad for rehabilitation and most of them returned to this country as respectable citizens and took their rightful places in society.

Minister Wattley was speaking during a debate on the recent increase in criminal activity in the British Virgin Islands at a sitting of the Legislative Council last week.

Minister Wattley said he could not simply tell his constituents that it was not his job when asked what he was doing about crime.

"I need to deal with my portfolio and not cross the line," he said, but added, "we have to make sure that we take responsibility for those things because there is no other way."

Minister Wattley said he believes that, if he was going to be responsible, he must have some authority.

He said a total shake-up is needed to make sure that people who are genuinely interested in crime prevention get that chance to do so.

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