BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – BLAME for the escalation and even the commission of crimes is often laid at the feet of the Federation’s main security body, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. But a high ranking member of that entity is contending that some of the blame is being misplaced.
Commander of District ‘B’ Superintendent Lionel Moore, who recently spoke with SKNVibes about an incident that occurred in the Challenger’s area, expressed what others have said in the past, which is that crime is not just a police problem but a social one.
“We have a serious social problem and the problem is much bigger than the police.”
Moore reminded that shootings and other crimes are committed by individuals who are the product of our very homes and, until that is realized and the appropriate measures are taken, the problem would prevail.
“These persons who are committing the shootings come from our homes and the offences are committed by our children, and all of us need to take stock as to what is going on. As parents and as members of society, all of us need to take steps. Firstly, we must try to pilot our children in the correct direction and look over to our neighbours children as well. This is where a holistic approach is needed with the clergy and everybody…”
Superintendent Moore said he is by no means attempting to understate the responsibility of the police in the fight against crime. He however noted that society has become a reactionary one and when the situation gets out of hand the police is scapegoated.
“We need to come in and not wait until we reach the point where persons are involved in criminal activities then jump out and accuse the police for not doing enough. The police cannot stand at everybody’s doorstep and the police cannot raise people’s children. All of us have to take responsibility.”
