NSC condemns Pier Park armed robbery, promises
The National Security Council (NSC) has strongly condemned a daylight armed robbery at the House of Luxury in the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park and said enhanced crime-prevention measures will be introduced across commercial areas during the Christmas shopping season. Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger briefed the NSC on the ongoing investigation after the incident, and is expected to update the public at a briefing the following day. Key details about the suspect flight, police appeals for information, and a reminder of a similar July 2023 robbery at the same store were reported by BVI News; the NSC statement and hotline information were provided to BVI Live via VINO and the NSC release.
The National Security Council (NSC) has strongly condemned an armed, daylight robbery at the House of Luxury in the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park and expressed serious concern that the incident took place while patrons were present on the compound, potentially unaware of the danger.
The NSC made the statement following its weekly meeting on Wednesday, December 3, chaired by Acting Governor David D. Archer Jr, according to the NSC release reported by VINO and by BVI News. Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger briefed council members on the ongoing investigation and search efforts, telling the NSC that armed men fled the area after the incident, BVI News reported.
The NSC described the attack as a "brazen act of violence" and reiterated its full support for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) as they pursue leads. Officials urged residents to remain calm and to avoid approaching any suspects, stressing that public safety depends on not confronting potentially dangerous people.
The NSC asked anyone with information to report directly to the RVIPF or to Crime Stoppers; a confidential, untraceable hotline is available at 800-8477 (TIPS), 800-847-8477, or 368-9339, as stated by the NSC (VINO/BVI News). With the Christmas shopping season approaching, the NSC assured businesses and the wider public that enhanced crime-prevention measures will be implemented across commercial areas during the peak retail period.
While the council did not publish the full list of measures, it encouraged business owners and residents to review security arrangements, staff training, lighting and surveillance where appropriate, and to coordinate with the RVIPF on specific concerns, according to the NSC statement.
Acting Commissioner Ullger is expected to hold a public briefing on the investigation on Thursday, December 4, the NSC said (VINO/BVI News). In the meantime, the council continued to call on the community to support police efforts by reporting suspicious activity, preserving evidence, and remaining vigilant in public places.
BVI News noted that this is the second robbery to target the House of Luxury in just over two years. In a separate incident in July 2023, two men — identified as Shamul Mitchell and Jelani Marquis — were arrested and charged after they fled the store while firing shots into the air; no injuries were reported in that earlier incident (BVI News).
The NSC, which oversees internal security matters in the Territory and includes senior officials such as the Premier, the Minister for Communications and Works, the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police, said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with the RVIPF and other agencies to protect residents and visitors throughout the holiday season (BVI News/VINO).
Residents are again asked not to confront suspects and to pass any tips to police or Crime Stoppers.
Primary source: VINO