BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE other day I was listening to a popular radio broadcast discussing local issues. Assembled as a panel were prominent opposition leaders discussing crime within the Federation.
Fair warning, the view I’m about to share may offend you. Outright, the blatant pandering and ill-informed opinions being expressed over the public airway have to stop. Individuals who have become spin masters, where any action or news introduced is twisted to become an indictment and show of incompetence, or worse. Words cunningly crafted to tear down and divide others.
Does this solve anything? No, this lower form of consciousness is a form of hatred that is simply being packaged and served under the guise of ‘healthy debate’. Make no mistake, this rhetoric and propaganda breeds and perpetuates more division.
Let’s be real. The blame for crime falls squarely on the shoulders of each and every one of us — so stop pointing fingers and stop creating distractions and smoke screens.
You, I, our broken families, our communities, our churches and yes, our government — and I challenge you to prove otherwise - we are all responsible for the current crime problem.
If not our families, communities, institutions and government, then who?
Let’s begin at the heart of this. Each murder is much more than a number that increases each month, each murder has a name. Sword, Everette 'Roach' Battice, Huelo Pableto Hanley Cornelius, Gregory Anthony Zakers, Devon Ryan, and so many others. These men are sons of the soil, brothers, husbands and fathers, and they’ve been murdered; they are part of our national family. We must never become desensitized or forget souls are being needlessly lost.
A murderer didn’t wake up on February 16, 2015 after our election and suddenly decide to commit crime. To suggest as much is in error.
If we must place blame, let’s at least be honest with ourselves.
Fathers
If you bring children into this world, nurture and love them! Be an active and positive role model in their lives. If you leave your children to be raised alone by their mothers, you are part of the problem. Make a commitment here and now to spend quality time with each child at least once a week.
Friends
We all have friends that get off track, so what are you doing about it? Nothing? If you see your friend taking a dark path and you stand idly by, you are part of the problem. Make a decision right now to pull your friend aside and let them know how you feel. If you’re not up to this task, then be creative and find help before your friend gets killed or takes another’s life.
Government
Government exists to set policy that protects its population. Good public policy reduces crime, poor or absent policy often leads to increased crime. If you were once in power, this applies. If you are now in power, this also applies.
I can’t accept that ANY government wilfully wants crime. So let’s not stone them with virtual ‘verbal stones’. Doing so only shows your ignorance, and promotes more of the same.
Good economic policy creates jobs, strengthens business, increases opportunity and reduces crime. Economic policy that fails to raise the national standard of living will result in an increase of crime. Oppression and lack of opportunity are the strongest drivers of crime.
Social policy that develops schools, community centres, and health centers are proven to reduce crime. Failure to engage youth at a point and place in time when they are seeking life options, will result in elevated crime.
National security and policy that strengthens law enforcement helps to prevent drugs, guns and other direct contributors to crime. Weak national security will lead to an increase in crime. When you learn that Unity is bringing in outside expertise, forensic equipment, and forming a joint task force, don’t twist this to suit your politics. I applaud this government for these steps!
Crime will always exist in society, but murder must stop. And if you really must point your finger of blame, stand in front a mirror, take a close look, then vow: “I will find an at-risk youth today and make this child a priority in my life.”
As listeners and readers, let’s not be guilty of blaming our leaders either; for what is a government but the sum of you and I? Government, including active and former Prime Ministers and Ministers, are just good people like you and I that have devoted years of their life to public service. The real work of stamping out crime is a partnership between us and our law enforcement.
And I’m sorry, I just can’t accept, nor should any reader or listener of media accept more of this silly and destructive game you are playing. If you continue, then shame on you! If we want murder to stop, we must have courage to mentor, to parent, to teach, to preach, to connect and to inform.
It’s just too convenient to voice your opinions over national radio without first acknowledging you are a mother first, you are a father first, you are/were a public servant first — and that crime is out of control. Tell us what you are doing to lead with your example before playing the name them, then shame them game.
My recommendation?
Stop wagging your finger, use your influence to commit others with your words to find children to mentor. Please, let’s get the community organised and committed in getting more involved. If you say you are a leader, then you will be actively involved yourself; organising and elevating discussion about what listeners can do to make a lasting difference.
Be an expert and catalyst for a real solution, rather than a spin expert.
Before you utter more ill-informed words filled with hypocrisy, just breathe, and then volunteer yourself and others at a community centre. Then come back on the radio and share your positive experience so this can motivate and positively spread to those who listen and care deeply for you. This can be your moment to really lead! The best politicians and leaders lead with what they are actually doing to build and create. And they don’t spend 99% of their time bashing, slamming and distracting.
Our murder rate is a reflection of our individual efforts, and our collective national effort going back decades. Don’t forget that!
No more calling out the names of political parties or former/active Prime Ministers (if you must call a name out, make it your own), let’s wake up each day and say a prayer for those who have lost their lives, and for the families that have been left behind…who are today suffering from the deepest sense of loss and pain. This is what we must share together.
