ST. CROIX -- The Virgin Islands Clergy Peace Coalition on Friday issued a statement in response to the wave of deadly shootings that have affected St. Croix, with the latest being a shootout on Thursday night that left two men dead and five others wounded.
The coalition also announced a prayer vigil set to take place on Sunday for one hour beginning at 5:00 p.m.
The coalition has partnered with University of the Virgin Islands: Anti-Violence & Peace Initiative, and My Brother’s Workshop Community and Police Association for the event, according to the release. It has also teamed up with at least a dozen ministers, all of whom are expected to attended the Sunday vigil.
The ministers include:
Apostle Samuel Weekes Paradise Covenant Ministries
Minister Angel Jimenez Assemblia Christiana el Oasis
Pastor Jermaine Mulley St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church
Pastor Clive Williams Evangelistic Pentecostal Church of St. Croix
Pastor John Gilbert Frederiksted Baptist Church
Pastor Samuel Carrion Office of the Governor
Pastor Jerry Lanquedoc Seventh Day Adventist Church – Shiloh
Pastor Steven Velez City Reach Church
Pastor Suzette Lettsome Paradise Covenant Ministries
Pastor Winelle Roberts Moravian Memorial Church
Pastor John Briscoe Refuge Tabernacle Church
Pastor Gilford Monrose Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day
Below, the coalition's full statement on the wave of crimes:
As a result of gun violence, our hearts are filled with sorrow for the families in our community as we mourn the loss of our children, friends, and loved ones who were recently shot and killed last evening in Frederiksted. This recent event is an important reminder of the urgency to address the ongoing acts of violence in our Territory. The Virgin Islands Clergy Peace Coalition is outraged by these senseless crimes and expresses our heartfelt condolences to the families of all who are affected. We stand in unity with the Virgin Islands Clergy, Elected Officials, parents who have lost children to gun violence, Community Leaders, Service Providers, University of the Virgin Islands, and concerned Residents against gun violence.
Over the past year, these shootings have continued to plague our beloved communities across the Territory. The VICPC, along with many service providers, faith-based and community organizations and elected officials have collectively united to help decrease the involvement of our young people in gangs and other criminal acts. Since public safety is a shared responsibility, it is our plan to embody a holistic approach from various partners and supporters, with resources invested by the community for the betterment of the entire Territory. Through our partnerships, it is our hope to significantly reduce the incidences of gun violence and create a safer, more peaceful neighborhood for all residents of our community while restoring, healing and empowering our residents who have already been affected.
Not only are adults not safe but children are also not safe in our community. Where murder and other forms of crime are concerned, these acts must stop. And so we are committed to using every life-saving tool at our disposal to assist in reducing gun violence in the territory. That is precisely why the Virgin Islands Clergy Peace Coalition was formed. It is our vision to reduce the loss of life by gun violence in the Virgin Islands. The Clergy Peace Coalition will work closely with the VIPD, other law enforcement agencies, our wrap around service providers, and community advocacy groups to assist families involved and to provide needed assistance.
It is imperative that the Virgin Islands community stand with us, rise to the challenge to unite, and support initiatives that will stop the spread of this epidemic.
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