Gun crime the most pressing security concern – governor

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands (CMC):

Governor Daniel Pruce has described gun crime as one of the most pressing security concerns facing the territory and said it must be addressed with urgency.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Pruce said illegal firearms continue to threaten public safety and confidence.

“Gun crime is a good illustration, I think, of an area where a number of interventions can help reduce the prevalence of guns and their use and possession in the territory,” he explained. He added that action is needed on several fronts, including stronger laws, improved policing, and tighter border controls.

“There may be something around legislation and penalties for possession, perhaps. That might be part of the process. There may be something around policing, police training, police methods. There may be adjustments there. Considering how the guns are getting into the territory as well. You know, import controls. How are we managing control of our borders so that the weapons themselves, the hardware, get here?” Pruce stated.

The governor also highlighted the importance of changing social attitudes towards firearms.

“There is a space which government can play its part, but it’s not just a space for government, which is around societal norms as well, people’s attitudes to guns and gun possession, how that’s viewed, especially among peers, how that affects people’s level of confidence, or frankly, fear,” he said.

His comments follow a string of recent firearm seizures and arrests.

The police have confiscated assault rifles, pistols, and large amounts of ammunition in operations this year. In some cases, minors were among those charged.

The authorities have also reported incidents where armed robbers targeted businesses and individuals, prompting concern from residents about public safety. Community leaders and legislators have called for tougher penalties for illegal possession of ammunition and explosives, pointing out that existing laws impose lighter sentences compared to gun possession.

They have argued that stronger deterrents, alongside community support programmes, are needed to curb the rise in gun-related offences.

Pruce said the issue will be central to discussions at the upcoming Anti-Crime Summit.

“It’s clearly an issue where there’s a very high level of commitment from myself, from the NSC, from the premier, from all of us involved to take steps to address it and to do so urgently,” he said.