BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Aug.27.2018 – AMBASSADOR, Jonel Powell believes that the time has come for an all hands-on-deck approach in dealing with the current crime problem facing St. Kitts and Nevis.
His comment comes against the backdrop of two murders, including the shooting death of Police Sergeant Leon Powell, a number of shooting-at incidents and several armed robberies.
Speaking with SKNVibes News, the outspoken young politician acknowledged that dealing with the issue of crime stems beyond the walls of politics.
“I certainly agree with the concept of all hands on deck when it comes to the topic of crime. It is an issue that transcends government, transcends administrations. It is not a Unity or Labour issue, it is a national issue,” stressed Powell.
The ambassador urged people regardless of their political persuasion or economic standing to sit at the table and participate in the conversation on crime.
Many, he said, will argue over how it is done and who should initiate such an initiative: however, he acknowledged that such thoughts are “petty”.
“What we need to do is not just talk the talk but walk the walk,” emphasized Powell.
The ambassador will find a similar position taken by the Opposition, St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP). The party recently called a special press conference to discuss the matter of crime, acknowledging that it is a problem in the federation.
Its leader, Dr. Denzil Douglas called for a holistic view on the problem, while calling for a national conversation on the matter. They also called for the Prime Minister, Dr. Timothy Harris to hand the reins of the Ministry of Nation Security to another sitting minister.
Speaking to the death of Sgt. Powell, the ambassador noted that for bandits to target someone who is a police officer shows their boldness.
According to police reports, the officer was in his place of business in Newton Ground when gunmen entered the establishment and robbed the patrons. Sgt. Powell put up a fight and was shot multiple times about the body.
“And so I believe that with the criminal elements getting as aggressive as that, we as a society have to be aggressive in fighting against that criminal element,” the ambassador said.
He continued: “Police have their work to do. They have been given additional resources by the powers that be to help execute that, but I think we have a responsibility to help them execute that, in terms of being vigilant, in terms of seeing something and saying something. There are avenues for us to assist in the fight against crime, even from an anonymous basis to certain hotlines that we can call.”
He called for aggressive community policing, while urging parents to be more mindful of where their unemployed children are returning home with material stuff that they have not worked for.
