Following yesterday's hearing of the 28th Legislature's Committee of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice regarding legislation that would grant federal agents peace officer status in the territory, Governor deJongh said he was extremely disappointed to observe the lack of action and the complacent tone displayed by some committee members.

The governor was most disappointed by the committee's lukewarm reception to the proposed legislation which is crucial towards ensuring the valuable partnership with federal authorities in combating violent crime in the Territory. 

The proposed bill, submitted to the Legislature by the Administration in September, would grant federal agents the same legal protections as police officers when enforcing Virgin Islands law and codified the conditions under which those agents could use force.

Passage of the bill is a necessary condition for the return to the territory of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, while also ensuring that other federal law enforcement agencies remain in the Virgin Islands. 

“The lack of action and the posturing of some of the committee members, is in fact, denying Virgin Islanders their government's best efforts at protecting them from the scourge of gun crime by utilizing the considerable skills and resources of the ATF, and it is outrageous."

“The Committee's less than expeditious approval in moving this bill forward is yet another irresponsible act that puts political interests above the welfare and safety of the people of the Virgin Islands. At this moment in the territory’s history when more than 98% of last year’s murders were committed by illegal guns, our community is crying out for help. I cannot understand why any Senator would be so reluctant to allow this government to be equipped with the tools needed to tackle this scourge."

DeJongh also noted that this past week, Puerto Rico activated its National Guard to temporarily assist local police, citing the need to halt the homicide rate. “The Puerto Rico governor's decision to activate the National Guard is an example of how other jurisdictions are taking all necessary actions to protect their people. The Virgin Islands owes its citizens no less."