BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Sept. 05.2018 – THE ST. Kitts Chamber of Industry and Commerce has thrown its voice in the mix on the growing crime problem facing St. Kitts and Nevis.
With the federation in recent weeks recording a number of criminal activities, including robberies and homicides, the private sector agency believes that for over a decade violent crime has been a major threat to the peace, stability and security of the country and the economy alike.
In a statement today, the body pointed out that, the gun and gang culture has grown alarmingly.
“The murder rate has been consistently high and the number and daring manner of robberies of businesses is growing,” the statement said.
While noting that the problem has reached a new and dangerous high with the murder of two police officers, the CIC said society through the security forces must in the immediate term, “aggressively and powerfully repel this attack and root out its perpetrators with all the law enforcement required”.
The Chamber, while calling on the government to deal with the problem reminded that law enforcement alone “will not eradicate the problem”.
It believes that strong action involving society needed to address the deep-rooted causes.
The body suggested that among the major causes were the negative attitudes and anti-social behaviours resulting in a culture that has failed the young people and disconnected them from the young people.
That, it is believed, has fueled the rise of the gang culture.
“These attitudes and behaviors include poor parenting and lack of trust in law enforcement,” the body noted, adding that the political tribalism which has pervaded the federation for over 50 years contributed to the problem.
They noted that if the problem persists will not be solved, “by more spending on law enforcement”.
Against that backdrop, the CIC proposes the establishment of a small but high-powered committee involving nominees from the political parties, civil society and youths.
The body disclosed that they are convening a meeting of 40 key organizations in the communities to nominate representatives to serve.
That statement came mere hours before the government launched a new commission that will drafty recommendations and plans to deal with the crime problem.
