Push Grows To Arm Business Owners

Calls for more business owners to be granted firearm licences have resurfaced following recent armed robberies, with the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association arguing that legitimate business operators need greater means to protect themselves.

The issue, which has been raised periodically over the years, was discussed again this week during the Talking Points radio programme on ZBVI, where Chamber Chairman Sinclair Flemming said growing concerns within the business community have renewed the push for action.

Flemming said armed robberies appear to be occurring more frequently and in a wider range of locations than in the past.

“The problem that we're having now is these things used to happen in certain communities around the BVI. They are happening seemingly anywhere and it seems to be on the rise,” Flemming said.

While stressing that the Virgin Islands is not a violent society, he said the incidents have become serious enough to warrant attention.

One of the solutions being advocated by the Chamber is broader access to firearm licences for business owners who meet the necessary requirements.

“And one of the biggest deterrents is giving business owners actual projectile weapons to defend themselves and their businesses. That's what we advocate for, but obviously we do not want everyone and anyone to be able to get it,” Flemming cautioned.

He said the Chamber is not calling for unrestricted access to firearms but rather a robust and transparent licensing system.

According to Flemming, discussions have already taken place with the police and some progress has been made.

“When we did meet with the Acting Commissioner, I was happy to hear that they did review some, approved a few and are looking into some more. Obviously it's less than the percentage that we want to see, but I'm happy to see that it's being at least looked at as a result,” he said.

Flemming noted that some applicants have historically been denied licences or have never received a response to their applications.

Non-Lethal Option

He also pointed out that the Chamber has advocated for non-lethal options as part of the wider conversation around business security.

“We've advocated for non-lethal weapons as well. We've advocated for different types of things to protect yourself,” he said.

However, he argued that criminals often operate with the knowledge that law-abiding business owners have little ability to defend themselves.

“I think one of the major issues is that the persons doing the illegal activity know that you have nothing at your side or in your possession that can deter them in any way, shape or form,” Flemming added.

During the discussion, the programme host suggested that increasing the number of armed individuals, including business owners, could lead to more gun-related incidents and potentially worsen the situation.

Flemming rejected that suggestion, insisting that the Chamber is not advocating for a gun culture.

“We don't want it to be prevalent. We don't want it to become a gun-touting society. It is not what I'm saying,” he responded.

“What I'm saying is the persons who are most at risk, where they are at risk, as you say, it's been happening randomly in broad daylight, in highly secured areas.”

He also expressed concern about the number of illegal firearms already circulating in the territory.

“There are a lot more firearms in the community than there should be,” Flemming said, while welcoming efforts by police to explore additional measures to remove illegal weapons from the streets.

The Chamber chairman also questioned whether tougher penalties for gun crimes would serve as an effective deterrent.

“Obviously it deters certain persons, but the type of people that's doing these crimes are not concerned because the thing that they're doing now has a pretty hefty penalty,” he said.

“Armed robbery already has a really hefty penalty. Even if you increase it to life, the person is already in a state where 40 years and life are almost the same thing in a young person's mind.”

Flemming's comments come as concerns continue to grow among business owners over recent armed robberies, with some calling for stronger measures to protect both businesses and employees.