As St. Thomas Homicides Climb, Community Meeting Is Called To Address Matter

With crime, particularly homicides, seemingly unrelenting in St. Thomas, Senator Marvin Blyden has called a community meeting to be held on Wednesday at the Krush Nightclub, in hopes of better understanding the daunting issue.

The territory’s homicide count for 2017 jumped to 28 following a deadly shooting in Sugar Estate last week. The number of gun-related deaths in St. Thomas, currently 18, has been climbing steadily as young men continue to lose their lives to gun violence. The current count on St. Croix is 10, according to V.I.P.D. Commissioner Delroy Richards.

At the gathering, which starts at 6:30 p.m., will be recently appointed Territorial Chief of Police Winsbut McFarland, as well as concerned community leaders, residents and community organizations. “We will hear his plans on combating crime, monies received and earmarked for the purchase of street cameras, and receive feedback from all concerned,” said Mr. Blyden.

Mr. Blyden anticipates a great turnout, calling the meeting an important one. The Krush Nightclub is located in Subbase next to Pueblo and across from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.