The Chief Minister's call comes at a time when there have been a number of armed robberies in the territory over the past two weeks. The latest being the daylight robbery of a woman as she was leaving a bank and thousands of dollars taken.

Smith said in a statement that he is shocked and saddened by these events. "Not only does crime of this nature run against the moral fiber of our community, but it also threatens to reverse the decades of hard work by previous generations who have built our Territory to what it is today," the Chief Minister said.

In his statement, Smith said he met with the Governor and he shares his desire to see quick and firm action on the recent armed robberies. "We have pledged to work together to ensure that the police force has every resource it needs to solve these crimes, and prevent others from taking place," he said.

"Let me be clear: here in the BVI we are still fortunate to have a relatively low crime rate. We are still one of the safest countries in the western hemisphere. But one only need read the newspapers or listen to the news to know that crime is no longer a stranger to our islands," added Smith.

He said it's up to the community to come together as one to fight this disease with every ounce of one's being.

Smith said, "My people, when it goes unchecked, crime hurts all of us in a very real way. It puts our quality of life in jeopardy, and makes us afraid in our own homes. It threatens to undermine the remarkable progress we are making in our schools, our health care sector, our economy, and our civil institutions.

"We cannot allow this to happen. It is unacceptable, and my Government will not stand for it and neither should you," the Chief Minister said. He further noted that government has zero-tolerance for crime and is committed to working with the Governor and with the police to make this policy a reality.

The Chief Minister in his statement made mention of a 7-Point Plan on Crime instituted by government to strengthen the police force. He said this plan has led to real improvements in the police’s crime-fighting abilities. He also outlined other areas put in place by government to deal with the situation.

"We have increased the number of officers in the Force, and stand ready to provide funding for more officers if they are needed. The police force has been reorganized: a special severe crime unit has been formed and special experts are working with us. We have announced a reward of up to $100,000 for evidence leading to the conviction of the persons responsible for the deaths of innocent men and women. And we have increased penalties for gun-related crimes," he said.

The Chief Minister said, however, that the police force cannot do it alone. "My people: The police force is trying very hard, but they cannot succeed without our help. This is why I am calling today on each and every person in this community to join the fight against crime."

He further said in the statement that, as a people, one cannot simply sit and watch the country being destroyed by this criminal element. "If we are to fight this disease, then we must get involved. It is the duty of every citizen and resident to enroll in the fight against crime. That begins by working with the police," the Chief Minister said.

He said right now the territory is facing a direct threat to the safety of the streets and neighborhoods. And at such moments, he called on all to put aside the differences and to join together in the battle against a common enemy.

"If we fail to fight back in the face of violence and lawlessness, then we only invite more and more crime. But if we join together and say with one voice: crime is not wanted here; then the battle can and will be won," said Dr Smith.