TORTOLA, BVI (CMC):

Both major political parties contesting next Monday's general election here have condemned the shooting of an opposition candidate during an apparent robbery.

The ruling National Democratic Party and the opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP) said Wednesday's shooting of Andrew Fahie, the VIP's candidate for the First District, was an unfortunate act.

VIP President Carvin Malone described the incident as a "sad day" in the BVI.

"Crime is a major issue in the Virgin Islands at this time. It is just last evening during the manifesto presentation that we actually outlined our programme for assisting the police in a bipartisan manner to curve the evil of crime," Malone said.