Unemployment not the cause of crime in BVI, Premier asserts

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says he does not believe a lack of employment opportunities is the cause of crime in the Territory.

During the second sitting of the second session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Thursday, February 13, Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn questioned the government’s plan to address rising unemployment, particularly among young people. He expressed concern over a possible correlation between increasing joblessness and crime.

“The territory is currently grappling with a wave of criminal activity that involves a number of young people,” Walwyn stated. “It cannot be denied that a lack of job opportunities can be one of the factors that affect crime in a country.”

He further noted that a considerable number of young people remain unemployed.