BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - FOLLOWING public outcry and criticisms from the Opposition parties over his silence on the recent spate of homicides, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has come out and publicly address the situation.
The Federation has recorded 28 homicides for the year, with five being committed in three weeks, including four of them over seven days. Three were killed in St. Peter’s, including one within Carifesta Village outside of the Prime Minister’s Constituency Office.
Since those homicides, the Opposition parties had taken to the airwave to critisize the Dr. Drew - who is also the Minister of National Security - for his silence on the issue.
Now, he has come out and publicly condemned the actions of the young men who continue to perpetrate the senseless acts of violence.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I address the recent and deeply troubling incident that took place in Upper Monkey Hill, St. Peters, where three young men fell victim to an act of senseless violence. My deepest condolences go out to the families of the two young men who tragically lost their lives, and my thoughts are with the survivor as he faces the difficult journey towards recovery,” Dr. Drew said.
He continued: “Upon learning of the incident, I promptly halted all birthday celebrations and personally visited and extended my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. It was my sincere intention to personally engage with the affected families and the community before addressing the public, a commitment I fulfilled throughout the course of yesterday and early this morning.”
Because of then silence following Wednesday’s (Nov. 22) shooting incident in the Monkey Hill area, which resulted in a double homicide and left another nursing gunshot injuries to his leg, Leader of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) Shawn Richards called for his resignation as the National Security Minister.
But Dr. Drew in his message on Friday (24), assured the public that “the Government is committed to taking all necessary measures within its power to put an end to such behaviour”.
“We, as a nation, must unequivocally condemn these acts of violence that have become all too prevalent in our communities. The loss of these promising lives is a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to address the root causes of such incidents,” Dr. Drew said.
His assurance comes at a time when the Federation has reported 28 homicides, most of which were committed with the use of firearms, and concerns are being raised over safety and security within the Federation.
As those criticisms are being levelled against Dr. Drew’s administration, including comments over the revamping of the PEACE Programme, questions were asked whether or not the initiative was being used as a source to sure-up arms.
Dr. Drew called upon the young men who find themselves entangled in the web of violence, saying: “I implore you to reconsider the path you are on. Put down the guns and embrace a future that holds promise and positivity.”
“Our nation mourns the loss of potential, and we cannot let these senseless acts define our collective destiny,” he added.
