|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under the Labour Government, the crime and murder crisis has spiraled out of control. Ten murders in 2003 turned into a record 23 in 2008. And, now, less than 10 full months into 2009, we've already recorded a record 25 murders for 2009. Contrary to Denzil Douglas who doesn't even acknowledge that people are scared because there is a crime and murder crisis that has gripped the Federation, Lindsay Grant understands people's fears and has developed a comprehensive crime plan to address the crisis.
In a landmark speech last month before the Chamber of Commerce, PAM Leader Lindsay Grant announced a comprehensive plan to combat the crime and murder crisis in the Federation. The plan included short, medium and long term ideas for bringing down the crime rate. Today, PAM launched the crime plan on its website, www.pamforchange.com.
"We are of the view that in addition to strengthening the capacity of our law enforcement agencies we must provide economic opportunities, for our young men in particular," said Grant to the Chamber. "In the Short Term: (a) The placing of more police on the streets in affected areas to show serious police presence (b) The setting up of mobile police stations in affected areas to show the perpetrators that the government is strong on crime (c) ensuring an independent Police Service Commission, (d) Ensuring that the Police Service Association itself is directly involved in the formulation of the terms and conditions of service and the allocation of posts and recruitment, (e) Improvement in pay and conditions of work, this is critical (f)Looking at the best practices of the region and ensuring their implementation."
Grant continued, "In the Medium Term: (a) Ensuring that the morale of the police force is improved, at present it is at its lowest ebb being seriously affected by political interference. (b) Improvement in infrastructure (c) Modernizing the important arms of the police force such as the criminal Investigation unit and forensics and (d) the safety and security of our borders to prevent the importation of guns."
Grant concluded, "In the long term Long Term: One aspect that will certainly create some level of debate is this area. We will create what I term the community pillars program which will be the touchstone of support for the discipline of our children in the Federation. What we have found is that because of pressure for economic survival parents and guardians now have to work two and three jobs to make ends meet. Because of this there is a breakdown in the home and hence in the community and this leads to the escalation of crimes and the formation of gangs which is a major problem. Each child between the ages of 5 and 17 will have to enter either the girls guides, the boys brigades the pathfinders or some institution of that nature that will facilitate the overall development of those children. If for some reason parents or guardians are uncomfortable with those institutions then there will be music schools, cricket academies or football academies among others where children can channel their energies."
While PAM has offered a comprehensive plan to combat crime, now available in full at www.pamforchange.com, Labour has yet to offer a crime plan and their failed policies have resulted in the crime and murder crisis we now face.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
