Beautiful Virgin Islands

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Our society has become ‘numb’ regarding gun violence- Perline R. Scatliffe-Leonard

Our society has become ‘numb’ regarding gun violence- Perline R. Scatliffe-Leonard

“There is no denying that we are in a gun violence crisis,” Seventh-District candidate Mrs Perline R. Scatliffe-Leonard has stated, as she argued that gun violence is escalating and poses long-term consequences for future generations.

“We must do more to end gun violence in the British Virgin Islands as we can no longer bear the news of another one of our precious children being injured or perishing untimely on our soil,” Scatliffe-Leonard said in a statement today, March 1, 2023.

There have been two fatal shootings in the Virgin Islands so far this year.

Stigma on 7th & 8th Districts

According to the Independent candidate, the 7th and 8th Districts are devastated by much loss due to gun violence and that she continues to pray for healing so that the stigma that has been attached to her community is removed.

“We must set clear and strong standards that send a message that this community and Territory stand firm against all acts of violence. For this we need a stronger community, police, and social development partnership to focus on some of the more problematic issues, because “We Matter Too”! While we do not know, and may never find out, the exact reasons for these gun crimes, I implore our young men and women to find harmonious ways to resolve their issues. Put your weapons down.”

The former Director of Water and Sewerage Department (W&SD) said parents have an “awesome responsibility” to help guide and mold the youths.

She implored them to pay more attention to their children and they company they keep.

“We need to know where our children are hanging out, who are their friends, what they are doing, what they are watching on television, and most of all to reassure them that we love them.”
Yan Edwards, who was recently released from Her Majesty's Prison, was gunned down at a bar in East End on February 6, 2023.



‘Society has become numb’- Scatliffe-Leonard

Additionally, Scatliffe-Leonard highlighted that society has not been doing enough to tackle the problem of gun violence.

“I am concerned about how numb our society has become regarding gun violence.”

According to Scatliffe-Leonard, personal views and politics must be put aside, and a conscious effort must be made across every community in the territory, to speak out against gun violence.

“It is time to change the culture of violence, and strengthen our policies, to stop it. We must take a united stand. This is a Territorial effort. We must be proactive and not reactive in preventing violence while creating a safer BVI.”

Recommendations

To do this, Scatliffe-Leonard posited that the territory must recognise that gun violence is critical but preventable with everyone’s input. She said efforts must be made to reduce access to firearms, offer community support through the creation of intervention programmes and youth employment etc, identify and implement solutions.

She said law enforcers must build trust by developing relationships with the community.

Additionally, she said there is a need to expand the provision of social, emotional, and mental health support for everyone and offer greater community support for families, especially mothers with young children.

Calling to private corporations, Scatliffe-Leonard said: “We need your full support. We recognise that you have a social corporate responsibility within our Territory, and we ask that you join forces with us to address gun violence in this Territory.”
Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Russia Expands Military Presence Near Finland Amid Rising Tensions
Indian Scholar Arrested in Crackdown Over Pakistan Conflict Commentary
Ontario Manufacturers Warn U.S. Tariffs Could Create Economic 'Ghost Town'
UK and EU Reach Landmark Post-Brexit Deal to Reset Relations
Israel Eases Gaza Blockade Amid Internal Dispute Over Military Strategy
President Biden’s announcement of advanced prostate cancer sparked public sympathy—but behind closed doors, Democrats are in panic
Trump Demands Probe into Kamala Harris for Paying Celebs to Fake Endorsements
At Age 92, the World’s Oldest President Has No Succession Plan — and That Could Spark a Crisis
U.S. Concerns Mount Over Chinese 'Kill Switch' Components Found in Solar Power Infrastructure
Bipartisan Criticism Surrounds Trump's Cryptocurrency Ventures
Diplomatic Efforts on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Injuries Reported
A Chinese company made solar tiles that look way nicer than regular panels!
U.S. and Philippine Forces Test High-Powered Microwave Weapons in Joint Exercise
China Unveils Advanced AI Surveillance Tools at 12th Police Equipment Expo
Japan's Three Major Banks Report Record High Net Profits for Second Consecutive Year
The Chinese Dragon: The True Winner in the India-Pakistan Clash
US and EU Make Progress in Trade Talks, While Vietnam Negotiations Also Advance
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial: Ex-Girlfriend Cassie Ventura Testifies About Alleged Abuse
Former Wales Rugby Star Jamie Roberts to Pursue Medical Career
Australia's Venomous Creatures Contribute to Life-Saving Antivenom Programme
Passenger Travels Under Wrong Identity on British Airways Flight
Former FBI Director James Comey Questioned by Secret Service Over Social Media Post
The Spanish Were Right: Long Working Hours Harm Brain Function
After 108 Years: Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating
Did Former FBI Director Call for Violence Against Trump? Instagram Post Sparks Uproar
US and UAE Partner to Develop Massive AI Data Center Complex
Russia and Ukraine Hold First Direct Peace Talks in Three Years — But No Breakthrough Yet
Apple's $95 Million Siri Settlement: Eligible Users Have Until July 2 to File Claims
US and UAE Reach Preliminary Agreement on Nvidia AI Chip Imports
KREMLIN has just approved Senator ALEXANDER " THE EXPERIMENT" KARELIN, of Novosibrisk, as Chief Negotiator at the Meeting in ISTANBUL with Ukraine & USA.
Shocking Footage Released: Diddy Caught Dragging Cassie in Brutal Hotel Hallway Assault
Starlink Now Profitable: SpaceX Hits Major Milestone with $11.8 Billion in Revenue
Portuguese Right-Wing Leader Collapses During Campaign Rally
A Pakistani imam in Italy gave a sermon stating that every Muslim should fight the infidels or face ‘catastrophic consequences’.
President Trump and Elon Musk Welcomed by Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim with Cybertruck Convoy
EU Court Orders Disclosure of von der Leyen’s Texts with Pfizer CEO Over €35 Billion Vaccine Deal
Strong Warning Issued: Do Not Use General Chatbots for Medical, Legal, or Educational Guidance
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Global Tech Magnet with U.S. Backing and Trump’s Visit
Mexican Influencer Valeria Márquez Killed During Livestream in Suspected Femicide
This man went to take $5,000 out his own bank account and was arrested for it
This was President's departure from Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince personally escorted him back to the airport.
CIA Files Reveal Klaus Barbie's Role in Bolivian Drug Trade and Dictatorship Support
Daughter of crypto boss escapes Paris kidnap in latest in series of attacks
U.S. FDA to Remove Oral Fluoride Supplements for Children Amid Gut Health Concerns
Kim Kardashian Testifies in Paris Robbery Trial, Tells Gang Leader: 'I Forgive You'
NVIDIA and Saudi Arabia Launch Strategic Partnership to Establish AI Centers
Challenges Facing EU Foreign Policy Amidst Diverging Interests
Reports Reveal Alarming Cognitive Decline in Biden Prior to Election Withdrawal
Trump Meets Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara in Historic Encounter
×