‘Justice For Jaimez’ Committee to host vigil to protest gun violence
The Justice for Jaimez Committee will host a candlelight vigil to protest gun violence in the Virgin Islands this coming weekend.
The event will be held on March 19 at Queen Elizabeth Park II and is expected to begin at 5 pm.
A press release by the committee stated that the event will be hosted under the theme “Voices Against Gun Violence”.
According to the organisers of the event, the primary objectives for the vigil are “to raise community awareness on the subject [gun violence], to demand justice for victims of gun violence; demand legislative reform and celebrate the birth date of the recently slain Jaimez Stoutt”.
Participants will include members of the clergy, elected officials, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Rotary Club (Peace Building), M.A.L.E., with impact statements from family members and mothers of victims.
“Too many of our young men have been senselessly gunned down, leaving grieving families and fatherless children. It is time we demand change”, Joycelyn Leonard-Walters, the mother of Jaimez Stoutt said.
The event is open to all interested persons, especially family, and friends of victims of gun violence.
“I am hoping that this event will be the catalyst for the change we are demanding, and we can bring an end to gun violence in the BVI,” Leonard-Walters further shared.
Persons attending the vigil are encouraged to walk with candles, however, cell phones lights can also be used. Mask-wearing and social distancing protocols will be observed, and entertainment will be provided.
Stoutt was shot and killed on the morning of December 11, 2021, inside Crystal’s Night Club in Free Bottom. Police have since issued an arrest warrant for Erick Rabsatt of Pasea estate in connection with the murder.
Rabsatt still remains at large.
Since 2017, approximately 26 persons have been victims of gun violence in the territory.
A press release by the committee stated that the event will be hosted under the theme “Voices Against Gun Violence”.
According to the organisers of the event, the primary objectives for the vigil are “to raise community awareness on the subject [gun violence], to demand justice for victims of gun violence; demand legislative reform and celebrate the birth date of the recently slain Jaimez Stoutt”.
Participants will include members of the clergy, elected officials, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Rotary Club (Peace Building), M.A.L.E., with impact statements from family members and mothers of victims.
“Too many of our young men have been senselessly gunned down, leaving grieving families and fatherless children. It is time we demand change”, Joycelyn Leonard-Walters, the mother of Jaimez Stoutt said.
The event is open to all interested persons, especially family, and friends of victims of gun violence.
“I am hoping that this event will be the catalyst for the change we are demanding, and we can bring an end to gun violence in the BVI,” Leonard-Walters further shared.
Persons attending the vigil are encouraged to walk with candles, however, cell phones lights can also be used. Mask-wearing and social distancing protocols will be observed, and entertainment will be provided.
Stoutt was shot and killed on the morning of December 11, 2021, inside Crystal’s Night Club in Free Bottom. Police have since issued an arrest warrant for Erick Rabsatt of Pasea estate in connection with the murder.
Rabsatt still remains at large.
Since 2017, approximately 26 persons have been victims of gun violence in the territory.
