Business Owners Won't Be Allowed Guns
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says business owners in the British Virgin Islands are unlikely to be granted the legal right to carry firearms, citing the United Kingdom’s current stance and the fact that internal security falls under the Governor’s portfolio. The remark comes amid a recent surge in daylight robberies and rising public calls for stronger protections for businesses and residents.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has acknowledged growing calls from some quarters for business owners to be permitted to carry firearms, but he says such a move is unlikely under the United Kingdom’s present policy and governance arrangements. Speaking on a recent episode of the Virgin Islands Voice programme, Dr Wheatley said he understands the fear and trauma being felt across the territory as gun violence increases.
He emphasised, however, that responsibility for internal security rests with the Governor and, by extension, the UK government, which does not encourage civilian gun ownership outside of law enforcement. 'I think it’s a good debate,' the Premier said. 'But persons should understand that the United Kingdom is responsible for internal security and they have a well-publicised position — they don’t encourage gun ownership outside of law enforcement agencies.
Even the police generally don’t carry guns unless it’s the armed response unit.' Dr Wheatley noted there is a statutory process through which individuals can apply for firearm licences in the BVI, but added it is 'very difficult' to obtain one because of the UK’s policy. He also said that questions about firearm provisions are not normally matters for the constitution itself; if policing and security are devolved in future constitutional reform, rules on firearm access would be addressed through laws and policies at that time.
The comments come against the backdrop of a worrying rise in gun-related crimes in recent months, including a series of daylight robberies targeting businesses in Road Town and other communities. Those incidents have reignited public concern over safety and prompted calls for stronger measures to protect business owners and residents.
Some argue that responsible firearm ownership could deter attackers, while others warn that more weapons in the community could increase the risk of violence. Many public voices are urging immediate investment in policing capacity, improved surveillance and CCTV, and expanded youth intervention programmes as alternative long-term approaches to curb crime.
For now, the clear message from Government leadership is that any change to firearm access for private citizens or business owners would face significant legal and political hurdles because of the UK’s role in internal security. The debate is likely to continue as authorities and communities seek practical solutions to stem the recent rise in violent crime.
Primary source: BVI News