After a man was shot in broad daylight near Elmore Stoutt High School shortly before 1 p.m. on Friday, police warned about a violent gang called “Money Boys” that they said had been linked to the crime.
The victim, K’zhari Stoutt, was seriously injured, but he underwent surgery and was in stable condition as of Tuesday morning, according to the Police Information Office.
Police haven’t provided any more information about the Long Bush incident, but on Tuesday they released posters depicting two men they said were “wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting and attempted murder” of Mr. Stoutt.
One of the men is 22-year-old Shemoi “Fat Cat” Carey, who police described as dark-skinned, 6 feet, 3 inches tall, and weighing 235 pounds with a medium build.
His last known address, police said, is in Huntums Ghut. The other wanted man is 18year-old K’Shawn Martin, who police described as dark-skinned, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, and weighing 130 pounds with a slim build.
His last known address, they said, is at Sand Box Road. Police warned against approaching the men, each of whom was described as “armed with a firearm” and “considered dangerous.”
‘Money Boys’
Later on Tuesday, police released another statement warning about the “Money Boys” gang.
“The gang consists of approximately 25 young men, aged 17 to 25, from various communities across the territory,” the statement alleged. “The members of Money Boys are reportedly in possession of unlicensed firearms and have been linked to multiple violent incidents.”
In addition to gun violence, the gang, which is also known as “MB,” is believed to be involved in robberies, thefts, burglaries and other offences, according to the statement.
Police added that they have intensified efforts to crack down on the gang in recent months, making multiple arrests, seizing guns and recovering stolen goods found in vehicles and residences linked to gang members.
“The Money Boys gang members frequent several areas across Tortola, including Purcell Estate, Free Bottom, Baughers Bay, Road Town, Huntums Ghut, Greenland and Long Look,” police stated. “Despite their geographic spread, the lack of anti-gang legislation in the British Virgin Islands limits police capacity to prosecute them solely on gang affiliation, making it essential to connect individual members to specific criminal acts before preferring charges.”
Community help
While the police have made progress in reducing the gang’s influence, some members have evaded detection with the help of community members who “may be complicit or passive” in response to gang activity in their neighbourhoods, according to the Police Information Office.
“It is vital that we work together to remove this threat to peace and safety in our neighbourhoods,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “The safety of our young people and our community as a whole depends on everyone’s commitment to saying no to violence and criminal behaviour.”
Police noted that youth often turn to gangs because they are seeking protection from rival gangs; they want support or fellowship; they are subject to peer pressure or intimidation; they face economic hardship; they have low self-esteem; or they are exposed to negative influences through their family and friends.
Alternatives
Mr. Davis said police are committed to supporting youths by working with families, communities, social services, government agencies and volunteer organisations to direct at-risk youth toward constructive alternatives.
Available resources, he added, include job training and apprenticeships; anger management programmes; school dropout prevention initiatives; conflict resolution services; drug and alcohol abuse prevention; and domestic violence intervention.
To provide information to police, call the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 800- 8477 (TIPS) locally or 284-8008477 from overseas.
