The crime strategy is effective, but there are shortcomings in law enforcement

Prime Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley has expressed confidence in the BVI’s crime strategy, even as concerns grow over rising incidents of violent crime in the area.

Dr. Wheatley gave this indication when responding to Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton during a recent House of Representatives session on details of the national security strategy and ongoing efforts to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement.

Dr. However, Wheatley noted that there has been a recent law enforcement review that revealed deficiencies in law enforcement agencies’ ability to implement the strategy from an optimal standpoint.

“These shortcomings would need to be addressed before we can effectively implement the strategy,” he said. “But based on our high standards when it comes to crime prevention here in the area, it’s pretty clear that more needs to be done.”

The current strategy, supported by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Four Year Plan, focuses on key areas including police confidence, border security, community policing and continued professional development.

He said the crime strategy involves collecting and analyzing data to identify crime patterns and hotspots that guide resource allocation and strategy adjustments. Dr. Wheatley also mentioned the importance of prevention and intervention programs that address the root causes of crime.

The evaluation also examined efforts to strengthen law enforcement capabilities. These include recruiting additional officers and improving cooperation between police, immigration, customs and community organisations.

Last year, the Prime Minister announced that his government would host an anti-crime summit in the first quarter of 2024, but it is unclear whether the summit will take place in the coming months.

At the time, Prime Minister Wheatley said the summit would build on the expertise of various stakeholder groups, including religious organisations, government agencies, schools, police and other community groups.

Meanwhile, Dr. Wheatley said his administration is committed to transparency and plans to publish the findings and recommendations of the law enforcement investigation.