BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – RECOGNISING that the plague of crime has visited the Federation, government ministers are calling upon all good-thinking citizens of St. Christopher and Nevis to set party politics and all other divisive means aside and arrest the problem as a unified body.
Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas, at an emergency press conference held on Wednesday (Mar. 4) evening, informed that a three-point plan has been devised as a combative measure to the escalating crime and violence in the Federation.
He however explained that the government on its own could not successfully win the war against crime and requires that all facets of society put their shoulders to the plough and effect change. He said this issue is far greater than party politics so much so that it should not be “brought into the picture”.
“I would hate to think that in such a serious challenge for us as a nation, one would want to allow party political rancour and blame to be brought into this picture. This is too serious a national challenge for us to put within the crucible of politics, party politics. And I would hate to think that everyone who understands the situation as it is unfolding would want to blame any political party whatsoever for the serious challenge that we are facing today.”
“I believe that it is important that there be a concerted joint collaborative approach, not only among the political parties but among all stakeholders in this country in fighting crime and in particular in addressing the situation as it is today. Obviously, the police alone cannot do it. The Defence Force alone cannot do it. The Anti-Gang Unit that we have been mobilising over the last few months cannot do it alone.”
The PM said the nation’s victory over crime and violence lies in our oneness.
“The necessary supportive Intelligence Unit that must work hand in hand with the Anti-Gang Unit cannot do it alone. It takes all of us. It takes our brothers and our sisters, our aunts and our uncles. It takes our parents; our dads and our moms. It takes the church. It takes, in fact, the entire community because it is only when the entire country and community is mobilised and actively pursuing a national policy on fighting crime that we shall eventually overcome and succeed.
“That is why I say specifically that there shall be a concentrated and determined effort on our part to arrest, and I emphasise, to arrest this gang violence which is creating a blot on the good name of this peaceful and loving country.”
The country’s leader said the people of St. Christopher and Nevis have, in the past, triumphed over enormous tests, and with God’s help they should triumph again.
“My fellow citizens and residents and members of the press, I ask for us all to be vigilant at this time. Let us, more than ever before, be our own brother’s keeper. Let us remember the families in mourning. Let us remember all those who need our support and prayers at this particular time, especially as this is a time of grave and great challenge for all of us here in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“I emphasise that we have overcome serious initiatives and very, very serious situations in the past, and with God’s help and with guidance and love and with the support of our community and one and all, we as a people, proud determined people of St. Kitts and Nevis, we shall overcome.”
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