BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE last few months have brought a spate of violent crimes against business owners in the Federation, causing many of them to rethink how they protect their lives and investments.
One such businessman is Courtland Carter. For Carter’s Shop, located on Cardin Avenue, the last three months have brought many changes, none of which have been for the better.
Burglar bars have been swiftly installed and the proprietor plans to further install a surveillance system. He has been equally hasty in applying for a firearm, and closes his shop at 7:00 pm every day.
His daily reading is now constantly being disturbed by routine checks around the shop, and he said he remains on his toes whenever anyone enters the store.
In early June, Carter was robbed of his morning income seconds before the assailants opened fire on him in a near-fatal attack. The attack was gruesome, and he said the outlook for his business is no less dismal. Now, there is no comfort for the 69-year-old shopkeeper.
“I have to continue my business in order to deal with my liabilities and commitments, but I am very concerned, as it appears that the situation is getting worse,” Carter said. “Those committing these crimes have more sophisticated weapons than the police and they are bolder than before.”
In the month of September alone there have been at least five reported criminal acts perpetrated against businesspersons, some of which involved gun threats and injuries to the proprietors.
On September 4, the owner of the Pizza Place, Cherilyn Jong, was held at gun point while leaving her Central Street store. Exactly one week later, the family of a bank manager was taken hostage at gunpoint and threatening demands for large sums of money were made.
Three days later in St. Johnston’s Village, shop owner Damion Weekes and two of his customers were attacked by gunmen. Laughton ‘Laffie’ Phillip died from his wounds shortly after that attack.
These incidents mark a significant shift in the severity of crimes being perpetrated against business owners, who ten years ago were mostly concerned about petty crimes such as shoplifting.
It was against this backdrop that the St. Kitts-Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC) made a bold statement in mid-September calling for the police and the government to be more proactive in the prevention of crime.
The Chamber, which represents many of the companies within the private sector, has issued statements before, but the unexpected surge in crimes against businesspersons caused current Chairman Mark Wilkin to note that it is time to “stop doing business as usual”.
“We would encourage our members to look at how they conduct their business, particularly in terms of security. We urge businesses to be proactive and improve on all the measures they are taking to secure their assets and staff. It is obvious... and important that we need to change the way we do business,” Wilkin told SKNVibes.
The CIC President concluded that it is necessary for the government to consider providing duty and consumption concessions on the importation of security systems, noting the mammoth expense associated with the equipment.
To combat the problem, a number of gas stations have begun serving their clients through iron bars after 7:00 pm and some banks have begun installing surveillance cameras at every angle.
Meanwhile, private security companies have grown drastically in both number and sophistication to accommodate the increasing demands.
While some larger businesses have been able to make a measure of progress in ensuring the safety of their properties, it has not been equally true for small businesses. In fact, the cries of small business owners are more audible than before, as many feel threatened by the recent uptick in crime.
Dave Osborne believes he is truly in a “hopeless” situation. His Cayon Street business, the Young Blood Barber Shop, was broken into on September 19 and most of his equipment was stolen.
“Right now, crime is affecting us in a very bad way. It is not encouraging for people to start a business because there is a big threat, especially for small businesses. We are the ones who are suffering because we don’t have the big money to get big protection, and the thieves just attacking us.
“It’s like the poor killing the poor,” the young man explained, holding back his emotion.
With his optimism rapidly evaporating, Osborne informed that he plans to install burglar bars and keep a large crowd around his business whenever possible. He said he tries to lock up no later than 8:00 pm because being open any later makes him feel “uncomfortable”.
In his view, the police and “government system” do not protect small businesses. He said that his only hope is in God.
Romeo Parris, Manager of the Super Drug Pharmacy and owner of Club Kactus, has taken a different approach to the issue. When he relocated his business to Westbourne Ghaut, many expressed concern that his company would be even more prone to criminal attacks.
He noted, however, that getting involved in the community and building good relationships with his neighbours proved to be beneficial to his business.
“I started to get to know who the people were around and got involved in community events. Sometimes I remain open up until 11:00 pm, and I am not concerned because everybody must adapt to their environment. But people must invest in security; that has been my thing even at the club. If this is what it takes to do business, then so be it,” Parris said.
Although he did admit that crime can cripple a country, Parris said businesspersons must continue to work because “crime must not keep a country down”.
Recognizing the seriousness and frequency of such crimes, the police have suggested several safety tips for businesses.
Speaking to SKNVibes, the Press and Public Relations Officer of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Inspector Cromwell Henry, urged businesspersons to have adequate lighting and to clear away any shrubbery and large objects from around their establishments.
“Businesses should install security systems. I do not advocate that burglar bars be used as an option, as they are easily breached and can prevent a quick exit in the case of an emergency.”
Although he indicated that the rise in violent crimes does not seem to be targeting businesses in particular, he encouraged all businesspersons to collaborate with the police to get an escort if they feel particularly threatened.
He stressed that it is unwise to keep large sums of money at home or at the business place.
Some businesses have moved toward more extreme measures of protection, such as arming themselves, but Henry noted that obtaining a firearm would not solve the problem.
“Getting a firearm is not what we promote because having one brings greater responsibility and it may put [businesspersons] at more risk. We continue to advocate other methods to avoid becoming victims of such crime,” he said.
Though the Federation’s businesses have each had to deal with crime in their own unique way, they all expressed hope that the fears and threats would soon subside so that a healthy business sector can return.
