BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PRIME MINISTER and Minister of National Security Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas has publicly offered condolences to the families of the two young ladies recently deceased as a result of violence.
Stancia Lake, 14, is said to have been shot in the head on August 8 while at a friend’s home at Wigley Avenue, De Village and TaGia Soles-Armony was shot and killed in the Bahamas on August 7.
“For the longest while victims of gun crimes have tended to be male and these deaths have troubled us very, very deeply. In recent times however, we have all been particularly shaken by the loss of two young females.
“Some things most inhumane are affecting much of the world, and on behalf of my Cabinet and on behalf of the entire country, I wish to once again express condolences to every family including those of these two young women who have been victims of these sickening acts of brutality,” the PM expressed during yesterday’s (Aug. 11) edition of his radio programme, “Ask the PM”.
The PM noted that whether committed in St. Kitts Nevis or abroad, this inhumane behaviour “must be condemned”.
“The taking of any life by any human being is one of the most unnatural and deeply troubling occurrences that any society anywhere ever has to confront. Whether the victim is old, young or middle aged, the horror of the rest of the community is always real…”
The National Security Minister took the opportunity to remind the public of the “many and varied nation-wide initiatives that have been and continue to be undertaken by my government.” These, he said, include improvements to the Basseterre Police Station, the installation of closed-circuit security cameras, training for police personnel in the areas of prosecution and criminal investigation, the acquisition of new vehicles and continued patrols in crime hot spots.
Dr. Douglas expressed that the present situation is the manifestation of societal shortcomings and further noted that with all hands on deck and with each shoulder placed sturdily against the proverbial plough, the situation could be corrected.
“I emphasise...that the pulling of a trigger of a gun however is usually the final point of a life long-lived without direction, without guidance, without controls, without ongoing and positive adult intervention. Again, therefore, I urge all adults…to understand the importance of becoming involved in organisations and initiatives which facilitate positive adult interaction with the nation’s children and young people.
“Together we can all fight against negative and twisted instincts taking root in the minds of our nation’s (youths). My government is doing its part. I do urge the rest of society comprised of thinking…persons who deeply love this country to do theirs as well.”
