Police needs support amidst surge in gun crime– Hon Marlon A. Penn
Unity Government Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) says, amidst an upsurge of gun crime in the Virgin Islands, the local law enforcement needs as much support as possible.
Hon Penn was at the time speaking as a guest on Umoja on ZBVI 780 AM on February 13, 2023.
The Minister said with a surge of shooting deaths within the last 6 months in the VI, the latest killing in the East End/Long Look Community was one that came close to home.
“To see it so close to home really magnifies the need for us to really take a serious attempt to curb the crime, in particular gun crimes, that happen within our community,” he added while noting that the East End/Long Look area is where he grew up.
“We need to support the law enforcement agencies as much as we can. It has to be a true partnership,” he added.
There have already been two fatal shootings for 2023.
Hon Penn was at the time speaking as a
guest during the February 13, 2023, edition of the Umoja show hosted by
Cromwell Smith with guest Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8).
More trust between law enforcement & people needed - Hon Penn
Hon Penn detailed that within the community, there is a need to further rebuild trust between people at the local law enforcement so that people can feel safe.
“All of us have a role to play in terms of protecting our community and the society from the scourge of crime,” he added.
Hon Penn said that people must learn to find better ways to work out their differences rather than turning to gun crime.
“I will certainly do my part as a leader in this community to really speak to the young people and speak to persons to really put the guns down," he said.
