As members of the Alliance in the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, we stand united in our call for collective reflection and national unity as the Territory faces an alarming and deeply troubling rise in gun violence.
The challenges we now confront are not normal, and we must never allow them to become the norm in our beloved Territory. Our hearts go out to the families grieving the loss of loved ones, and we stand in solidarity with those who have survived the trauma of these heinous acts. Yet, we recognise that no one—no family, no child, no community—walks away untouched by the fear and psychological impact of such violence.
This crisis, however, is not defined by a single incident. It is a growing pattern—where firearms are used to instill fear, destabilise our communities, and erode the foundations of law and order. Disappointingly, our children are growing up under the constant threat of violence, and neighbourhoods are being forced to adjust, treating what is unacceptable as if it were routine. We must say clearly and collectively: this is not normal, and it is not acceptable.
Now, more than ever, we must come together in a national chorus of peace and unity. This must be the refrain echoed in every home and every community across the Virgin Islands. We must all raise our voices and act with urgency to end gun violence once and for all.
To this end, the Alliance renews its call for the immediate development and implementation of a National Crime Reduction Strategy. This strategy must be a coordinated and comprehensive plan led by the Government and supported byvarious stakeholders. It must balance law enforcement with robust social support, economic opportunities, and sustainable, community-based interventions.
In addition, we make an urgent call for legislative amendments concerning the possession of ammunition and explosives. While the possession of a firearm currently carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, possession of ammunition or explosives carries a far lesser penalty—a $500 fine or six months’ imprisonment. This inconsistency cannot continue. It is not logical to assume that an individual in possession of ammunition or explosives has no access to a firearm. We therefore call for the penalty for possession of ammunition and explosives to be brought in line with firearm possession, including a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
As citizens of this Territory, we refuse to accept a future where parents are afraid to let their children play outside or where families live in fear of preventable acts of violence. As lawmakers, we will continue to advocate for:
• Meaningful investment in youth outreach and development programmes;
• Trauma support for survivors, with a focus on healing rather than neglect;
• Proactive accountability measures to prevent violence before it occurs;
• Significant crime-fighting initiatives and the resources to support them.
We encourage every resident to play their part by coming forward with any information that could assist law enforcement in solving recent acts of violence. Your voice could be the key to preventing further harm.
As a people who are blessed to call these islands home, let us stand united—not in fear, but in firm resolve. The fight against gun violence goes beyond legislation; it is about saving lives, restoring peace, and securing the future of the Virgin Islands for generations to come.Together, through trust, cooperation, and courage, we can help bring justice, healing, and lasting safety to our communities.
End of Statement
On Wednesday January 15th, 2025, 20 year old Quintinn McGlore was gunned down close to his home in Purcell Estate.
Most recently, on Saturday May 10th, 2025, high profile personality Nyron Erickson was gunned down in broad daylight in West End. The news of Erickson’s murder has hit regional and international news and blog cycles.
On Monday evening May 12th, patrons at a popular bar in Sea Cows Bay, were robbed at gunpoint.