‘Unnerving’

The Chairman, Mrs Shaina M. Smith-Archer, indicated that the Chamber has requested a meeting with the Commissioner of Police and the Chairman of the Crime Stoppers to discuss solutions to empower businesses to secure themselves and the support businesses need from law enforcement.

“It is especially unnerving that these thefts and robberies have involved gun violence. Crime is terrible in any community, and we want the Virgin Islands to remain a safe place to live, work and do business, and we need to safeguard that by any means necessary,” the BVICCHA Chairman stated in a press release on April 23, 2021.

Chairman of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA), Mrs Shaina M. Smith-Archer, left, has indicated that the Chamber has requested a meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Mark Collins, right, and the Chairman of the Crime Stoppers to discuss solutions to empower businesses to secure themselves and the support businesses need from law enforcement.

Businesses ‘further stressed’

The Chamber noted that the business community is already facing unprecedented hardship in an economic recession and the growing costs of doing business.

“Now they are further stressed with worries about keeping their employees and customers safe from criminal activity. Business owners have also expressed anxiety about the ripple effect on the tourism sector because visitors need to feel that the Virgin Islands remains a safe place to visit,” the Chamber said.

The Chamber also extended condolences to the family of the business owner who recently lost her life and extended support to all other owners who have been affected by crime in some way.

The BVICCHA said anyone who has information that could help the police solve any crime to call 311.