Statement by Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. in Response to the
Shooting Incident at Coki Point on July 12, 2010

The tragic incident which took place at Coki Point resulted in the deaths of two young people is a shock to all of us here in the Virgin Islands. We grieve for them and their families. All Virgin Islanders share in the sorrow of such a senseless loss of life. One of today’s victims was a young girl, 14-year-old Lizmarie Perez Chapparro, a visitor to our island who was innocently caught in the crossfire that involved the other victim, 18-year-old Shahid Joseph and other unknown persons who used the occasion of a funeral to wage street justice and settle their differences. 

Today’s fatal shooting is yet another reminder that we, as a community, must step up our efforts against those who have chosen violence as a way of life. It is not civilized and does not have any place in our society.

Today’s tragedy was caused, as have other recent acts of violence, by those who believe they can take the law into their own hands. But they cannot and they will not. Within minutes of the shooting, police took three persons into custody for questioning and have circulated information across the community about another possible suspect who was driving in the vehicle which opened gunfire on Shahid Joseph. 

This trend of senseless killings by some of our young people will not end until parents and guardians stop being enablers. Stop ignoring the fact they are bringing illegal guns into their homes or accepting the angry behavior they exhibit and so easily act upon. The police continue to do their jobs as we see increases in the number of guns taken off the streets and as was witnessed by the quick action in taking into custody potential suspects. 

What we are experiencing today is the result of many years of neglect which we can no longer tolerate. Everyone must rise up against those who continue to wage violent crime on our streets. 

We must offer them no aid, no protection, no cover and no mercy. We must close ranks against those who respect neither life nor law. 

With your continued help we will bring an end to the violence that some have chosen as a way of life.

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