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Governor Daniel Pruce has warned those responsible for recent armed robberies that they will be found and brought to justice, after visiting the affected businesses and hearing directly from victims.
Speaking in a Facebook video message outside one of the supermarkets recently robbed, Pruce described the accounts shared with him as “completely horrifying”.
He delivered a direct message to the perpetrators.
“The law enforcement agencies in this Territory will find you. And when you are found, you will be brought to justice,” he said.
Pruce visited the robbery sites on Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by the Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. He thanked those affected for explaining what happened and praised their response during the attacks.
“I pay tribute to the people who were the innocent victims in these awful criminal acts and showed great resilience, great composure,” he said.
“I wish them the very best as they recover from what were clearly very traumatising ordeals.”
The Governor said he would maintain an active interest in the investigations and had convened a National Security Council meeting for Wednesday, October 14, where the incidents would be discussed further.
His visit follows armed robberies at two supermarkets in Manuel Reef and Road Reef on consecutive nights, October 10 and 11. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said preliminary reports indicated that two males wearing masks and gloves and travelling on scooters were involved in both incidents.
Security footage of one of the robberies has gone viral on social media, including in other countries.
Police have increased targeted patrols and are examining possible links between the weekend robberies and an earlier armed robbery at a Purcell business on September 25.
The incidents have also prompted concern from the BVI Chamber of Commerce, which warned that some business operators were considering closing because of fears for their safety and that of their employees.
The Chamber called for urgent discussions on business security, access to lawful non-lethal protection and the firearm licensing framework. It also reported that some fearful operators had contemplated obtaining illegal firearms, while firmly opposing their possession or use.
Pruce appealed to anyone with information to assist investigators.
“If you know something, please do share it,” he said.
Information can be provided through Crime Stoppers BVI or by contacting the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or 368-9512.
Speaking in a Facebook video message outside one of the supermarkets recently robbed, Pruce described the accounts shared with him as “completely horrifying”.
He delivered a direct message to the perpetrators.
“The law enforcement agencies in this Territory will find you. And when you are found, you will be brought to justice,” he said.
Pruce visited the robbery sites on Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by the Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. He thanked those affected for explaining what happened and praised their response during the attacks.
“I pay tribute to the people who were the innocent victims in these awful criminal acts and showed great resilience, great composure,” he said.
“I wish them the very best as they recover from what were clearly very traumatising ordeals.”
The Governor said he would maintain an active interest in the investigations and had convened a National Security Council meeting for Wednesday, October 14, where the incidents would be discussed further.
His visit follows armed robberies at two supermarkets in Manuel Reef and Road Reef on consecutive nights, October 10 and 11. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said preliminary reports indicated that two males wearing masks and gloves and travelling on scooters were involved in both incidents.
Security footage of one of the robberies has gone viral on social media, including in other countries.
Police have increased targeted patrols and are examining possible links between the weekend robberies and an earlier armed robbery at a Purcell business on September 25.
The incidents have also prompted concern from the BVI Chamber of Commerce, which warned that some business operators were considering closing because of fears for their safety and that of their employees.
The Chamber called for urgent discussions on business security, access to lawful non-lethal protection and the firearm licensing framework. It also reported that some fearful operators had contemplated obtaining illegal firearms, while firmly opposing their possession or use.
Pruce appealed to anyone with information to assist investigators.
“If you know something, please do share it,” he said.
Information can be provided through Crime Stoppers BVI or by contacting the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or 368-9512.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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