FRETT WARNS OF SPIRAL: Political corruption, unfair taxes fuelling crime wave

Alred C. Frett has issued a stark warning that political corruption and unfair taxation are directly linked to rising crime in the British Virgin Islands, arguing that leaders refuse to acknowledge their role in the problem.

In a lengthy commentary published on Monday, Frett said the territory is caught in a downward spiral where wealth inequality is widening, with the richest 10 per cent holding more than the remaining 90 per cent combined. He pointed to hunger outpacing food production and children worse off than their parents as signs of systemic failure.

Frett argued that policies imposed by colonial powers have created conditions for increased armed robberies and public crime. He said these same policies have historically caused the collapse of nations far larger than the BVI, and warned that "our fall won't even make a ripple."

The commentator also criticised what he called widespread hypocrisy, saying the public demands truth from media and leaders but then pressures outlets not to report things people dislike. He blamed parents for pacifying children with material goods rather than addressing root causes of juvenile diabetes, incarceration and teenage pregnancy.

Frett expressed frustration that educated leaders and seniors know better but use their positions to mislead the youth. He said evidence of problems in mega churches, government and politics has been visible for years but ignored.

He also warned that artificial intelligence and robotics are being deployed to replace workers physically and mentally, rendering people obsolete while leaders continue collecting on empty promises. Frett said the territory exhibits "more patience than Mandela, and more Faith than Job" while living on broken commitments.