On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Mr George Burrows aka ‘Shawala’, 54, was shot in his Purcell Estate home while on Thursday, September 10, 2020, Mr Matthew D. Daly was shot on the road in Spring Ghut.

In both instances, both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

‘Heartfelt Condolences’

“At this time, as a Government, we express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of both men. We empathise and sympathise with the families of the victims and are deeply sorry for their loss, as it is always difficult losing a loved one. We pray that God will keep them strong and bring them comfort during this difficult time as they grapple with the realities of what has happened,” Hon Fahie said in a statement today, September 15, 2020.

‘Zero tolerance to crime’

The Premier said, as a Government, it does not condone such senseless acts of violence as there is zero-tolerance to crime of any kind.

He added that no one must deprive another of the right to live or to live in safety and that people cannot be making their own decisions on how to handle matters on their own.

“Persons engaging any illegal activities will be sought after vigorously and brought to justice. Your Government will not allow the actions of a few individuals to endanger the welfare of the BVI and our economy,” Hon Fahie said.

He reminded that the [British] Virgin Islands is a place of peace where people live and also visit to enjoy what it has to offer as a destination and jurisdiction.

The two fatal shootings are the only two murders for 2020.

“Right now, we are faced with COVID-19, and we want to ensure that we are all concentrating all our efforts in keeping people safe and healthy in ‘The New Regular.’”

Support the RVIPF/Stiffer penalties for crime

Premier Fahie assured that Government will continue to ensure that law enforcement agencies get the resources necessary for executing their work.

“We will also strengthen the laws and make the penalties stiffer and uncompromising to deter anyone who thinks about or commits nefarious crimes.”

The Premier added that Government is in support of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in solving all crimes and encouraged persons with any information related to either incident to contact Detective Inspector Vernon Larocque directly at 368-9809 or via the Major Crime Investigation Team at 368-5682.

“Let us all work together to bring these matter to an end. Let us keep each other safe. Let us focus on making sure that our economy is strengthened and not weakened. Let us make sure that we focus our efforts on building up each other and not taking the lives of another,” Premier Fahie appealed.

On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Mr George Burrows aka ‘Shawala’, 54, was shot in his Purcell Estate home

On Thursday, September 10, 2020, Mr Matthew D. Daly was shot on the road in Spring Ghut.