Thursday, August 24, 2006

ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands Dr Orlando Smith has urged the public to assist the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force in solving Tuesday's violent crime that resulted in the death of 25 year-old Vere Brown Jr.

In a statement today, the Chief Minister said he has been in contact with Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jacob George and can report that the police are continuing their investigation of the crime and are determined to bring the guilty to justice.

In this task, the Chief Minister said, nothing is more important than the community's support and cooperation. He made a strong appeal for persons with relevant information to contact the police.

"As this investigation proceeds, the police are continuing in their implementation of the seven point plan for crime reduction," the Chief Minister revealed. He added that although Government is pleased that good progress has been made since the plan was announced late last year, yesterday's tragedy serves as a reminder of how much work remains to be done.

"On behalf of Government, I pledge to continue this fight without rest until all violent crimes are driven from our shores; I ask all the people of the BVI to join in this cause," the Chief Minister said, in expressing condolences to the family of the victim Vere Brown Jr.

"In his untimely passing we are reminded of the importance of our unrelenting fight against crime," the Chief Minister said, adding that the Territory has always been a community of peace and tranquility. "While I understand that by international standards we still enjoy very low crime rates, our bottom line is that one violent death is one too many," the Chief Minister said.

Brown's body was found Tuesday with gunshot and stab wounds to the body. He is the son of Chief Inspector Vere Brown, Senior.

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