After discussing a potential terrorist threat to Virgin Islands airports during a special meeting on Thursday, the National Security Council decided to “strengthen security across the territory” as a precautionary measure, according to a statement released Thursday evening by the Premier’s Office.

 The NSC, which is co-chaired by Premier Dr. Orlando Smith and Governor John Duncan, reviewed “the available information on the potential security threat” and noted that police are “working closely with other law enforcement agencies,” including the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, the statement explained.

VI officials haven’t provided further information about the threat, but John Clarke, a supervisory senior resident agent at the FBI’s office in St. Thomas, confirmed Thursday that the US Coast Guard received a call from an individual indentifying himself as “Andrew Miller” and claiming that a friend involved with the terrorist organisation ISIS is planning an attack targeting the territory’s airports.

The USCG received the call on Wednesday, and then passed the information over to the FBI, according to Mr. Clarke.

Although the FBI currently has no information to substantiate the threat, Mr. Clarke said the agency is not taking the matter lightly.

“We take these threats seriously,” he remarked.

Mr. Clarke said the FBI encourages residents and visitors to remain vigilant and to report suspicious people or activity.

The NSC asked the public to report any suspicious activity by calling 311 or 1-800-TIPS (8477). The NSC also advised that travellers may experience “limited disruptions.”

See earlier coverage below.

 

VI reacts to ‘possible’ terror threat

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the BVI Airports Authority are investigating a possible terrorist threat to VI airports, officials said Thursday.

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. (Beacon file photo)
“We have received information of a possible threat to airports across the Virgin Islands, including Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, and we are working closely with the FBI currently on the matter,” according to a joint statement from BVIAA Managing Director Denniston Fraser and acting Police Commissioner Alwin James. “We cannot yet be sure that this information is credible. Meantime, we have reviewed and stepped up security at the airport and continue to look at public safety as our main priority.”

Governor John Duncan said in a statement that the BVI National Security Council, jointly chaired by the governor and premier, is scheduled to meet early Thursday afternoon to discuss the potential threat.

Messrs. Fraser and James took steps Thursday morning to review the security of Beef Island airport, according to police.

Police are urging travellers to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity or unattended baggage to airport personnel.

Though the airports will continue with “business as usual,” passengers are asked to arrive three hours before their departure times through the weekend, police said.

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