The Premier, in a speech at today’s April 20, 2021, Seventh Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom, said there is no justification for the type of killings and other crimes recently.

Ms Catherine Pickering, age 54, the territory’s latest crime fatality succumbed on April 19, 2021, after battling shooting injuries. She was reportedly shot in the head during the robbery.

No need for crime - Premier Fahie

“If you need food for your family there are a number of non-governmental organisations and churches that help the needy, all you have to do is ask.

“Ours is a society of BVI love and members of society frequently donate foodstuff and other necessities to these organisations,” the Premier said.

Ms Pickering, 54, succumbed to her injuries on April 19, 2021. She was reportedly shot in the head during the robbery.

Premier Fahie reiterated that there is no place for crime in the territory and especially no place for those who breach the rules, values and principles of the VI society to prey on citizens.

Gov't condemns the 'cowardly & despicable actions' - Premier

“They are not deserving of our trust and our protection, and they’re a danger to us all and a danger to all that we hold dear,” he said.

“Your government condemns in the strongest way, the lazy, cowardly and despicable actions of the handful of persons among us who refuse to live in BVI love and who do not care about the hurt they cause to people or the injury they cause to a territory’s good name as they betray every good thing that we the Virgin Islands people stand for in their selfish pursuit of materialism.”

Hon Fahie further called on parents, churches and community leaders to reinforce good principles in the minds of the territory’s youths.

“Because of that senseless act, a family is now without a mother, families now without their grandmother, a family now without a wife. A community has lost a good friend,” he said in urging persons to assist police if they know anything that could bring Pickering's killer to justice.

enior Opposition Legislator, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) echoed the calls and urged law enforcement to be more proactive in investigating the territory’s crime and shootings.

Calls for more pro-active law enforcement - Hon Fraser

Meanwhile, Senior Opposition Legislator, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) echoed the calls and urged law enforcement to be more proactive in investigating crime.

The Premier’s statements condemning the recent spate of violent crimes were overwhelmingly supported by other members of the HoA. Legislators were afforded time to voice their concerns about the state of crime in the territory and to also express condolences to the family of the deceased.