US Virgin Islands to honour murder victims and missing persons Friday

The US Virgin Islands will participate in the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims this Friday, with coordinated events organised by the Women's Coalition of St. Croix, the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas, and the V.I. Department of Justice.

On St. Croix, organisers will hold a community gathering and discussion at 5 p.m. at Sunny Isle amphitheater. The programme, titled "What About Us? Shedding Light on missing people and unsolved murders", will feature remarks, musical performances, dance, and a healing circle where attendees can access support resources.

A digital "Wall of Remembrance" will display the names of over 1,000 individuals killed on St. Croix between 1999 and the present.

On St. Thomas and St. John, a parallel ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. on Veterans Drive, with speakers, music, poetry readings, and the public naming of those murdered in the district. Participants will cast roses into the sea as a tribute.

Police records show that 55 people have gone missing across the territory since 1994: 29 on St. Croix and 24 in the St. Thomas-St. John area. Both missing-person investigations and homicide cases remain active until they are resolved, police said.

The observance takes on added weight this year amid escalating violence. The territory has recorded 38 homicides so far in 2024, compared to 22 at the same stage last year, according to the Daily News' tally.

Clema Lewis, who leads the Coalition, said the gathering reflects the community's commitment to those affected. "We want to also encourage those affected by these deaths to speak out and participate in community activities and forums. Get involved to help stop the bloodshed," she said.

FRC director Anya Stuart emphasised the broader purpose: "When we observe the day of remembrance, we remember all of the victims, we call their names and we renew the call for justice for all of them."

People are invited to wear black and red, or display T-shirts and buttons honouring their lost loved ones. For details, contact the Women's Coalition of St. Croix at 340-773-9272 or the Family Resource Center at 340-776-3966.