On Sunday at 2 p.m., a demonstration took place on St. Thomas to show support against gun violence. Led by the Love City Riders, a small motorcade of 10 motorcycles kicked off the event.
A large truck equipped with speakers, managed by Julian Jackson Jr., also known as DJ JD, followed behind the motorcade making announcements to the crowd and onlookers. Jackson delivered heartfelt statements to raise awareness about gun violence in the territory.
The march took place on a weekend that saw two boys, both 16, killed by gunfire in separate incidents — one on St. Thomas and one on St. Croix.
A crowd of cars observed the emotional march along the waterfront, expressing their support with cheers and honks. The march spanned from Emile Griffith Park to Beach Babies, located adjacent to the Winward Passage Hotel.
Tony Emanuel, executive director of Gun Violence Prevention in the territory, and one of the organizers of the event emphasized the importance of bringing people together to support efforts in preventing gun violence.
Acknowledging that it is an epidemic in the territory, Emanuel highlighted the need to address the underlying issues contributing to gun violence. He stressed the significance of collaborative efforts involving the government, faith-based groups, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, emphasizing that no single entity can tackle this issue alone.
Emanuel discussed the importance of job opportunities and fostering a sense of care and love among individuals as crucial factors in reducing gun violence. He expressed empathy for families who have lost loved ones to gun violence and highlighted the event’s purpose in providing support and resources to help them cope with grief and trauma.
Nya Ashley gave testimony of the harrowing experience she went through while attending an event on St. Croix where she was shot in her face. Her powerful plea urged people to relinquish firearms.
The demonstration against gun violence saw participation from various members of the community, including Sen. Angel Bolques, influencers like the Real Island Boys, pastors, and other influential figures from the community.
“Guns kill people. People kill people, and I think it’s important that we as a society focus on our conflict resolution and learning how to forgive and to loved ones, again, as a society, as a community, because people let their hate and their anger get the best of them. So I’m hoping that we could relearn some of those virtues and, and values of love and forgiveness and working together as one,” Bolques said
During his address to the crowd, expressing gratitude to the Office of Gun Violence Prevention for organizing the march, he acknowledged the support of religious leaders and the presence of individuals, families, and friends who have lost loved ones to gun violence.
After the march concluded, the group gathered inside the area near Beach Babies to hold a vigil as part of the event which also provided an opportunity for lesser-known businesses to gain exposure.
