“Crime to me and this government is like a fungus. it’s like a fungus that eats away at the very fabric of our human existence,” the minister said.

Rymer bemoaned the apparent loss of traditional values the territory is known for, such as its deep roots in religion, family and hard work.

“Those are things that, most of us, we grew up on and now we see that persons are going out to do foolish crimes for foolish crimes for a few dollars,” Rymer said.

He acknowledged the families of those that lost loved ones over the past months through violent crimes as well as the effects those crimes are having on residents of the territory.

Late last month, the community was rocked by a violent gun robbery that resulted in the shooting death of Catherine Pickering, the mother of the targeted robbery victim.

Reports indicate that Pickering died as a result of gunshot wounds received to the head and chest.

A bag containing almost three thousand dollars was reportedly taken during the robbery.

Quick action by law enforcement since then has resulted in a total of seven persons being arrested and or charged in connection with the murder/robbery.

Unsolved murders

Meanwhile, Rymer applauded the work of the police in arresting the alleged perpetrators, but said there are “quite a few murders that are unsolved”.

He made a plea for anyone with information about the crimes to take the information to the police.

In an apparent reference to confidentiality fears previously expressed by residents in taking information to the police, Rymer said the newly sworn-in Commissioner of Police is someone who is quite progressive and persons can feel “comforted” in taking information to him.

Since late last year, there have been several killings in the BVI, some of which have been classified as murders while others have been categorised as unexplained deaths.