Virgin Islands Anti-Crime Summit Opens today

("It Takes a Village to Save the Village")

The three-day Anti-Crime Summit, themed: “OUR Virgin Islands: Safe Communities, Prosperous Territory” will commence

today 24th September until Friday, 26th September with an aim to garner stakeholder input for the development of a comprehensive National Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy.

The Summit will bring together Government, law enforcement, educators, faith-based groups, civil society, businesses, and youth representatives to address the root causes of crime and identify solutions to strengthen public safety across the Territory.

Day One – Public Information Session (24th September, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.)

The opening session will feature remarks from the Governor, the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition and the Acting Commissioner of Police, as well as perspectives from cultural and community voices. Panel discussions will address the causes of crime, resilience, and reintegration, followed by a community dialogue inviting public participation.

Day Two – Pillars of the Village (25th September, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

The morning session will focus on Upper Primary students (Grades 4–6) from schools across the Territory through performances, a panel on positive decision-making, and the innovative $1,000 School Challenge.

The afternoon will convene Government ministries, law enforcement, and key stakeholders for facilitated working sessions on crime prevention, prosecution, and protection, as well as financial crime, youth crime, and the social impact of crime. Stakeholders will be invited to make formal commitments to inform the Territory's crime prevention and reduction strategy.

Day Three – Saving the Village (26th September, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

The final day will engage the Territory’s junior and senior secondary students (Grades 7–12) in interactive activities, keynote presentations, musical tributes, and panel discussions. The programme will also feature the "Youth Voice to Power" segment, where students will present their perspectives and questions directly to the Governor, Premier, Cabinet Ministers, and law enforcement. The keynote speaker for the Summit will be Mr. Roberto “Robbie” Smalls, who will share his storied journey on Day 2 and Day 3 with primary and secondary school students. The Summit will close with formal commitments from leaders and partners.

Governor and Chairman of the National Security Council, His Excellency Daniel Pruce, said, “The Anti-Crime Summit offers a platform for collaboration across government, law enforcement, and the community, which I expect will shape a meaningful and actionable plan to strengthen public safety”.

Premier, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, stated: "This Summit is an important step in bringing our community together to confront the realities of crime and its impact. By working in partnership, and by empowering our young people to make positive choices, we can build a safer Virgin Islands for all."

The public is encouraged to attend all days, especially the opening session today at 5:00 p.m. at which community input will be welcomed.

The Virgin Islands Anti-Crime Summit is an initiative of the National Security Council (NSC), the Constitutional body that considers matters relating to internal security and any significant security developments in the Territory, including the occurrence of significant criminal activity.

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About:

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to promoting good governance and the sustainable development of the Territory with a view to ensuring a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society. The Premier’s Office serves as the focal point for coordinating cross-sectoral policies and programmes and promoting the sustainable development of the Virgin Islands to ensure a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society.

For Additional Information Contact: 

Karia Christopher

Director of Communications

Premier’s Officer

Government of The Virgin Islands

Telephone: +1 (284) 468-3701 Ext. 2704

Email: KChristopher@gov.vg