I find it ironic that prior to last week’s West End murders, the newspaper announced that the Royal Virgin Island Police Force “looked forward to the formation of a West End Action Committee” to help combat crime” as a positive outcome of its last community meeting held in the West End area”. Obviously, a crucial step given recent events. But no one I spoke with had heard of such a meeting taking place or at least this topic being presented.  Even the press release neglected to mention when and where it was.  Here lies the problem.

It is frustrating that notice of any constructive community meeting, including those reviewing developments, is sorely lacking. Word and mouth doesn’t carry the message of an upcoming possible deterrent to crime, yet the grapevine is sharply active with a tragedy.

If the police want to help formulate a West End Action Committee, they should be more pro-active in running notices with subject to be discussed, in the papers for two weeks straight and post on community bulletin boards in the area- or at the ferry dock, laundry, gas stations and grocery stores.  Everyone should attend these meetings, not just the local area. We are in this together. Getting to know the local police can go a long way to help build trust towards a common goal, that being a safe environment for everyone and the end to this senseless violence.

If the Chief Inspector wants to stage other neighborhood meetings by area- in both Carrot Bay and West End community centers- let’s hope they are publicized and immediately reported on, and that minutes of that meeting are diligently taken and available to the public.  How do we know that stronger more aggressive efforts might have changed the outcome of last week’s shootings?

Susan O. Smith

West End

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