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October 10, 2007
V.I. and U.S. Justice Departments sign memorandum of Agreement to address gun violence Along with top territorial and federal law enforcement officials, Gov. John deJongh, Jr. held a broadcast news conference Wednesday to announce a joint initiative between the United States Attorney’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office to help end gun violence in the territory. The initiative focuses on maximizing the resources of both agencies and soliciting the public’s support. U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands, Anthony Jenkins, and V.I. Attorney General, Vincent Frazer signed a Memorandum of Understanding between both agencies just ahead of the mid-morning news conference. The memorandum outlines the initiative, which includes the cross-designation of federal and local prosecutors on both federal and local cases. According to Frazer, this is not the first time cross-designation, between the two, has occurred. Frazer says it’s just a matter of using federal and local resources to make the Virgin Islands safer. deJongh said the ability of these two agencies to leverage their resources depends on the public’s cooperation. "We need for individuals in our community to come forward and help, for this initiative to be a success." deJongh said the strategy will also see the deployment of additional manpower and investigative resources to the territory. "The funding also set aside in the FY2008 budget for witness protection programs will also go a long way towards make this joint-venture with the U.S. Government successful," deJongh added. A $500,000 appropriation is included in the V.I. Government’s budget specifically to fund witness protection. "We can’t allow violent predators to undermine our judicial process in the Virgin Islands," said Paul Murphy, 1st Assistant U.S. Attorney. "Law enforcement officials will do their part, but citizens need to do theirs." deJongh is also making an appeal to parents to closely monitor the activities of their children, as recent statistics indicate increasing instances of minors being found with possession of guns. Other agencies represented at the press conference were the Virgin Islands Police Department; Drug Enforcement Administration; Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigations; U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. |
