Dear Source:
The horrific murder of James Cockayne on St John is a terrible event and closure for his family is their right. The Virgin Islands Police Department has the obligation to inform family members of any progress in a case that involves a loved one, especially one as terrifying as this one. So far, we have heard nothing and the family, rightfully, is frustrated. It is no wonder that the Cockayne’s took action locally and nationally to bring this untimely death to the forefront.
The family made numerous attempts to find out what occurred, only to realize that the events of the murder were known but no arrests were made or any information given on the leads the police may have. The family deserves more from the St John police and the entire Department in general. When the Fox story broke, it put the Virgin Islands under the microscope, at it should. For too long we have had to endure inaction, non-information and sloppy police work from our law-enforcement officials. The problem is, even though the department won’t admit it, is that they are un-trained in proper police work.
When the Fox story broke, a comment by Senator Liston Davis was incredibly telling: “it's only when a white person is murdered in the Virgin Islands do the national media pay attention”. Well Senator Davis, the family got no results from the Virgin Islands authorities and he just happened to be FROM the states. I would suggest that if a member of any family in the Virgin Islands was murdered in the states, with out any investigative results, that there would be a public outcry for answers and who to blame.
We cannot transfer the blame on this matter, it MUST be solved and the family has to know that something is being done. Not only that, the people of St John must have closure because we may have sadistic murderers in our midst. This is NOT an isolated case. The police have failed miserably in attempting to solve even the most minor of crimes and we still, despite assurances from the new administration, have not seen any departure from the ineptness of the police.
And we worry about the effect it has on tourism? Let’s put the priorities where they belong-solve this crime and the many still left on the books and then show the world that we have a safe place to visit, otherwise, expect the same kind of bad press.
Paul Devine
St. John
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
