NSC supports increased police presence at Emancipation
The National Security Council (NSC) has endorsed a heightened Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) presence at weekend and remaining Emancipation Festival events after a recent rise in gun violence across the Territory. In a special meeting chaired by Acting Governor Dancia Penn, the NSC also pledged to bring the 'full weight of the law' against those responsible and urged the public to assist investigations.
The National Security Council (NSC) has announced its support for an increased Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) presence at weekend and remaining Emancipation Festival events following a spike in gun violence across the Territory. Interim Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger briefed the NSC on security matters during a special meeting Friday, drawing attention to a series of violent incidents in recent weeks, the council said.
The meeting was chaired by Acting Governor Dancia Penn, according to reporting by BVI News. The recent deadly incidents began in July when 26-year-old K’Moi Walters was fatally shot in Huntums Ghut, identified by BVI News as the Territory’s first recorded homicide for 2026. Police later arrested two males, including a 17-year-old, in connection with that investigation before releasing them, BVI News reported.
Later that month officers also responded to a shooting in Brewers Bay that resulted in the death of Kai De Castro, BVI News added. Most recently, a broad daylight shooting at the Carrot Bay festival village injured at least two people. Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reported that the Carrot Bay incident occurred on August 6 and said festivalgoers and surrounding communities were unnerved by the attack.
Both VINO and BVI News described the Carrot Bay shooting as prompting heightened concern as the Territory entered one of its busiest cultural weekends. Against that backdrop, the NSC said it will ensure the RVIPF uses all available resources and capacity to safeguard communities throughout the Emancipation Festival season and beyond.
The council specifically supported Commissioner Ullger’s decision to deploy a heightened police presence over the weekend and at remaining festival events, VINO reported. Authorities said activities at both the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta and Lavida Cottoy Festiville are scheduled to conclude on Saturday night, August 8, and those events will receive priority attention from law enforcement as they wrap up.
Officers will be stationed at key sites and exit points to deter further incidents and to protect attendees as crowds disperse, the NSC stated. The NSC pledged to bring the 'full weight of the law' to bear in apprehending those responsible and renewing its appeal for public assistance in preventing and detecting crime, BVI News reported.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant, behave responsibly, resolve disputes peacefully, and report suspicious activity to police, Crime Stoppers or the confidential police hotlines. Investigations related to the recent shootings remain active, and the NSC said it will continue to support operational and investigative needs until suspects are brought to justice.
The council — chaired by the Governor and including the Premier, Minister for Communications and Works, Attorney General and Commissioner of Police — emphasized collaboration with the RVIPF to protect public safety. For BVI residents, the message is clear: enhanced public safety measures will be in place at community and cultural gatherings, but individual vigilance and cooperation with police remain essential to prevent further escalation.
Primary source: VINO