National Security Council Hails Inaugural Anti-Crime Summit a Success

(NGOs Commit to Building Safer Communities)

The National Security Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a comprehensive National Crime Reduction Strategy, building on the momentum of the successful inaugural Anti-Crime Summit, held from 24th to 26th September, under the theme “Our Virgin Islands: Safe Communities, Prosperous Territory.”

Over the three days, the Summit drew unprecedented engagement, bringing together a number  of participants, government officials, private sector leaders, churches, civil society organisations, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs), and a massive turnout of young people. More than 1,500 students, combined, from upper primary through all secondary schools, including private institutions and students from the sister islands, participated, underscoring the NSC’s commitment to ensuring that the next generation is fully engaged in the conversation on crime and safety.

The Summit featured lively panel discussions on critical issues such as: Why is crime occurring in our community?, The Current Crime Landscape, The Three P’s of Crime – Prosecution, Protection, Prevention and Street Life vs. Real Life.

Panellists included police officers, prison officials, mentors, survivors, and individuals with lived experiences who have transformed their lives after incarceration. Students listened intently as a grieving mother delivered a moving plea, sharing the pain of losing her son to gun violence. This moment left a lasting impact on the gathering according to randomly selected students. 

The voice of the community was at the heart of the Summit, with interviews featuring members of the public, who courageously shared their experiences with crime, its consequences, and the urgent need for collective solutions.

Guest speaker Roberto “Rabbie” Smalls, of St. Thomas, USVI, brought a powerful message of redemption. Once a promising baseball player, whose life was derailed by violence, Mr. Smalls spent 25 years in prison before receiving clemency in 2019. Today, he devotes his life to helping young people understand the weight of their choices and the possibility of second chances.

Governor and NSC Chairman said, “The Anti-Crime Summit, last week, was a fantastic event, which delivered remarkable levels of engagement across government, NGOs and the wider community.  It also provided important opportunities to listen to a broad range of perspectives and personal testimonies. We now need to follow up our commitments and deliver meaningful action that will help build a safer and more secure BVI.”

Premier, Hon. Dr Natalio D. Wheatley said, "The overwhelming participation of our people, especially hundreds of students who joined us each day, has made it clear that the Virgin Islands are ready to confront crime head-on. This Summit was not just an event; it was the birth of a movement where government, community, and youth stand together with one voice, determined to create safer communities and a brighter future for our Territory."

The Summit was also infused with the Territory’s creative spirit. The official theme song, “Rise Up” by Eustace “Boss” Freeman, was performed live, alongside a stirring performance by cultural icon Raul “Jougu” Sprauve, further rallying participants to action.

The NSC affirms that this Anti-Crime Summit was not an end but a beginning—a bold, united step toward safer communities and a more prosperous Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Islands Anti-Crime Summit was an initiative of the National Security Council, the body that considers matters relating to internal security and any significant security developments in the Territory, including the occurrence of significant criminal activity. The NSC comprises the Governor, as Chairman and members, including the Premier, the Minister for Communications and Works, the Attorney General (ex-officio) and the Commissioner of Police (ex-officio). The Cabinet Secretary facilitates the conduct of business of the NSC.

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The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to the principles of good governance, sustainability, and community partnerships, and will continue to implement policies and initiatives that strengthen public safety, foster social cohesion, and promote prosperity across the Territory.

Photo Credit: Department of Information and Public Relations