Trees spark outrage, teen murder charge met with silence

Political commentator Cindy Rosan has sparked debate over what some residents see as misplaced priorities in the BVI, questioning why the DeCastro Street tree controversy has generated greater public outrage than news that a 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder. Police last week confirmed the teen was charged with the murder of Eric Albert, who was fatally shot in Greenland on June 20, 2025. “Less than 24 hours ago, we learned that a [14]-year-old was charged with a murder. But somehow, our biggest outrage this morning is still some trees! ” Rosan wrote on Facebook. “No wonder this place going to HELL. ” Rosan’s comments came amid sustained public debate over plans to remove mature trees along DeCastro Street as part of an improvement project.

She said while residents have legitimate concerns about the trees, those concerns should not prevent improvements to Road Town. Her Facebook post pulled nearly 60 social media users, who expressed outrage over the teen who will soon face the courts for his alleged involvement in a murder. “How can we as a community not speak out about this and demand more for our young people,” one commenter said, adding that parents also need help raising children. “It takes a village. ” Another online user questioned how illegal firearms are reaching the territory. “What keeps coming up in my mind is the availability of illegal weapons in the territory. We don’t make them here. ” “Police should offer $1,000 to anyone reporting someone else having a gun,” another person suggested. One resident called for a “full-time 24/7 operational coast guard” to strengthen immigration, customs, ports, and police capabilities against…