Millin Young Decries Gun Violence; Calls For Override Of Mapp Veto On Crime Analysis Bill

ST. THOMAS — Senate Vice President Janette Millin Young has expressed her deep concern that the people of the Virgin Islands are witnessing a form of violent crime that has not seen before.

“The number of homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, burglaries, and domestic attacks are staggering,” Mrs. Millin Young said in a press release issued Tuesday.

She extended condolences to all who have lost loved ones to gun violence, and urged the faith-based community to mobilize and reach out to the grieving families as well as to the people of the Virgin Islands to help in the healing of the community.

“Without the precision of a comprehensive analysis of violent crime, it is safe to say that the 40 homicides in the territory place us in the highest per capita bracket of homicides per 100,000 people at the state or territorial level. I welcome working with Police Commissioner Delroy Richards to develop an updated strategic plan to stem the upsurge in violence,” Mrs. Milling Young said, noting the shootings that lead to direct physical injury and those that only leave psychological impact range at more than 100 per 100,000 residents.

“Our first line of defense against crime and acts of destruction is our first responders, comprised of sworn personnel from the law enforcement agencies, fire service and emergency services. They have a difficult job and deserve our appreciation and support. In addressing this complex and troubling societal problem, we must acknowledge that the court’s dockets are filled with cases that have been filed as a result of competent police investigative work,” the senator stressed.

“I am calling, once again on the Mapp-Potter administration to work with the Legislature in creating a comprehensive analysis of crime in the Virgin Islands. I am also calling for an override of the governor’s veto of Bill No. 31-0005 which seeks to save lives, reduce crime, protect the public, and implement a strategy to effectively tackle violence and crime.

“Meanwhile, the 31st Legislature is working to assist the Virgin Islands Police Department reach its goals and mandates to serve and protect residents. During the budgetary process, I am working with my colleagues to ensure that the V.I.P.D. receives an appropriation of over $60 million” Millin Young said.

“Our people are dying. When anyone in our community is attacked, we are all attacked. We have all become extremely vulnerable. But, as a community, we can and will overcome this critical period in our history. I am calling for an immediate override of the governor’s veto,” Mrs. Millin Young concluded.