FREDERIKSTED — Senator-at-Large Steven Payne, Sr. was profoundly disheartened to learn of the barrage of gun violence that broke out in St. Croix in separate incidents occurring late Saturday evening into Sunday, injuring 13 people, and he mourns the five individuals who
lost their lives.
“Every single Virgin Islander’s life is precious, and I grieve with the rest of the territory during this difficult time,” Payne said. “This was not the way to honor our ancestors as we closed the end of Black History Month.”
As a citizen of the territory, Senator Payne calls on business owners and residents of the affected communities in St. Croix to proactively call the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) with information regarding any of the incidents that took place.
“My sincere condolences go out to all families who have been impacted by these tragedies,” the senator based in St. John said. “Enduring the trauma of a pandemic for over a year is challenging enough, no family should have to deal with the additional stress of having their relatives fall victim to senseless gun violence.”
As Chairman of Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety for the 34th Legislature, Senator Payne said he “is determined to use his platform to confront the issue of gun violence utilizing a multitude of strategies.”
“My Committee will be looking to engage again with the Commissioner
of VIPD and his leadership to address this body so that we can understand how the Department is looking to stem the tide of gun violence that has been plaguing our community,” Payne said. “In addition, in the coming weeks, the Office of the Senator-at-Large is poised to introduce legislation that begins to confront this complex issue. I encourage all sectors of our community to join with us in this effort as it will take all of us working together to truly make a difference.”