Government

Antonio Emanuel Announced as Director of Office of Gun Violence Prevention

The Office of Gun Violence Prevention will be headed by Antonio Emanuel who not only has a law enforcement background but also has experience in working with at-risk youth within their communities, according to Governor Albert Bryan. Bill 33-0126, now Act 8423, was introduced to the community during a June 11, 2020 Senate hearing. It authorized the creation the V.I. Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Office of the Governor. The office, according to the Act will be tasked with formulating effective and innovative strategies designed to reduce and prevent gun violence in the Virgin Islands. The measure was sponsored by former Senator Myron Jackson. The OGV was recently allocated $2 million over a four-year period. The office will also “make recommendations to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands for legislation to strengthen gun laws and for initiatives that provide recreational, vocational and economic opportunities for young adults in the Virgin Islands." Governor Bryan a...