BVI premier condemns recent murders
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| Published on Monday, July 21, 2008 |
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ROAD TOWN, BVI: Premier of the British Virgin Islands Ralph T O’Neal has condemned a double murder that occurred in the Territory last Wednesday night.
Police reports indicate that two men, one of them a BVIslander and the other, a Vincentian national, were fatally shot outside a supermarket in West End. The killings bring to four the number of murders in the BVI so far this year.
Aaron “Sonny” Erickson, 39 years old, of Tortola and Winston Oliverre, 38 years old, of St Vincent and the Grenadines, both died as a result of multiple gun shot wounds in an incident that took place on Wednesday evening at about 10 pm. Oliverre was pronounced dead at the scene, while Erickson was transported to Peebles Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.
Investigations revealed that the shots were fired near Erickson’s vehicle, which was parked close to the store. The gunman, who is believed to have been masked, fled the scene in Erickson’s vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently recovered.
At this stage, the police have no clear motive for the shooting.
Lamenting the apparent wanton disregard for human life, the Premier expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims. He described them as violent crimes that have no place in our society.
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| Premier of the British Virgin Islands Ralph O’Neal |
“Guns have no place in our homes, our communities or our lives,” the Premier stated. “The loss of life through gun violence is totally unacceptable and I condemn those who employ such means. Here in the BVI, we have a zero tolerance policy for such despicable behaviour.”
O’Neal is appealing for the support of the entire community in halting the menace that seems to be plaguing the Territory. He added that creating a safer BVI is not just the job of the police but one which requires a collaborative effort between all and sundry.
“I appeal to each and every one of you to perform your civic duty, cooperate with the police and provide any useful information that will help them to solve these vehement crimes,” was his impassioned plea.
The Premier also wants church leaders to play a role, urging them to use their pulpits to initiate a season of prayer, particularly as we approach this festive time of year. “We need to motivate our people and encourage them to adopt a low tolerance for crime and its ill-effects on our society,” he continued.
The Premier has pledged his government’s full support to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to strengthen their crime fighting capabilities. | | | | Reads : 370 | | | |
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