The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has launched an investigation into the shooting which claimed the life of Kadeem Jimenez. The killing brings the BVI’s murder tally to eight since the start of 2022.

In a release issued yesterday, JY Harbour View Marina decried the shooting and stated that the victim was a loyal customer.

The management of the business said the community should be alarmed by the number of gun violence incidents that impact everyone and creates lifelong trauma for children and families.

“We can no longer sit quietly by and look on as mothers bury their sons, children weep over their fathers, and beloved mourn those closest to them. As a community, we must accept no less than safe and healthy environments for ourselves and our children. We must prioritise and promote the peaceful resolution of conflict in the community,” the statement from JY from Harbour View Marina said.

The release also said the management gave staff the time, resources, and support they needed after witnessing the tragic incident.

While the BVI has one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean, the police struggle with solving murders as members of the community are generally afraid to give information regarding heinous crimes.

Just this week, former Police Commissioner Michael Matthews called for more public involvement to get dangerous criminals off the streets and behind bars.

Matthews said the general unwillingness to come forward with evidence contributes to the growing number of unsolved crimes in the territory.