The fatal shooting of K'moi Walters has prompted renewed calls for the community to unite against gun violence, with Opposition Leader Hon. Marlon Penn urging residents to reject the culture of silence that allows crime to flourish.
Walters was shot and killed in Huntums Ghut on the morning of July 6, marking the Territory's first homicide for 2026.
In a statement following the killing, Penn described Walters' death as a tragedy and extended condolences to his family, including his mother, Natasha Jarvis, his young son and the wider Walters and Jarvis families.
“This latest act of violence is a painful reminder that crime and gun violence have no place in our Virgin Islands,” Penn said. “Every life lost is one too many.”
The Opposition Leader warned against becoming desensitised to violent crime, saying the community must refuse to accept such incidents as a normal part of life.
“The silence, protection, or harbouring of those responsible for criminal acts only emboldens those who seek to bring fear and destruction into our communities,” he said.
Penn called on residents to fully support the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force by cooperating with investigators and providing information that could help bring those responsible to justice.
“Those who commit these cowardly acts must know that they will be held accountable and that our community will not stand by while lives are destroyed,” he said.
While stressing the importance of law enforcement, Penn said tackling crime also requires a collective effort to strengthen families, mentor young people and address the underlying issues that can lead individuals into criminal activity.
“Public safety is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement, it is a shared responsibility that requires all of us to play our part,” he said.
Penn concluded by urging the Territory to honour Walters' memory by working together to prevent other families from suffering similar loss.
“Today, we mourn the loss of K'moi Walters. Tomorrow, we must strengthen our resolve to ensure that no other family has to endure such heartbreak,” he said.
Walters was shot and killed in Huntums Ghut on the morning of July 6, marking the Territory's first homicide for 2026.
In a statement following the killing, Penn described Walters' death as a tragedy and extended condolences to his family, including his mother, Natasha Jarvis, his young son and the wider Walters and Jarvis families.
“This latest act of violence is a painful reminder that crime and gun violence have no place in our Virgin Islands,” Penn said. “Every life lost is one too many.”
The Opposition Leader warned against becoming desensitised to violent crime, saying the community must refuse to accept such incidents as a normal part of life.
“The silence, protection, or harbouring of those responsible for criminal acts only emboldens those who seek to bring fear and destruction into our communities,” he said.
Penn called on residents to fully support the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force by cooperating with investigators and providing information that could help bring those responsible to justice.
“Those who commit these cowardly acts must know that they will be held accountable and that our community will not stand by while lives are destroyed,” he said.
While stressing the importance of law enforcement, Penn said tackling crime also requires a collective effort to strengthen families, mentor young people and address the underlying issues that can lead individuals into criminal activity.
“Public safety is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement, it is a shared responsibility that requires all of us to play our part,” he said.
Penn concluded by urging the Territory to honour Walters' memory by working together to prevent other families from suffering similar loss.
“Today, we mourn the loss of K'moi Walters. Tomorrow, we must strengthen our resolve to ensure that no other family has to endure such heartbreak,” he said.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
Community
Comments
What are your thoughts on this story? Share a respectful comment with the community.
Join the conversation
Your comment will appear after review. Email is only needed if you want reply or conversation notifications.