BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AT the news of the Federation’s latest shooting death, Constituency Nine representative Mark Brantley has called on the political directorate to break its silence over the six homicides registered so far in 2010.
The Nevisian politician also urged the general public to channel their concern about crime into taking a more active crime-fighting role, especially if the government’s “ineffectiveness” at handling the situation continues.
“For the year, we have had three murders in Nevis and three in St. Kitts. I feel that all right-thinking persons must be alarmed because the criminals are holding our people hostage.
“None of our leaders have given any words of comfort or a solid plan for future crime reduction initiatives. We must all be concerned by this, and if they are not prepared to lead, then civil society must come together and do so.”
St. Kitts-Nevis has recorded 89 homicides since 2006, with annual statistics rising every year from 2007. The vast majority of these killings are believed to be gang-related, and security agencies have implemented a variety of measures aimed at reducing the influence and control of gangs.
Referring to crime as a “colossal failure” of the Denzil Douglas administration, Brantley said neither the Labour Party nor the Nevis Island Administration had made the grade in maintaining security, investing in the police force and in reaching out to troubled young persons.
“PM Douglas has already said that any responsibility will roll off his back. The Premier jumped on radio and television to give a national address about Hon. Patrice Nisbett’s appointment as Attorney-General, but could not speak about the three murders in Nevis for 2010.
“The primary responsibility of a government is to protect its people. As a society, we’re going to lose the very essence of what makes us Kittitian and Nevisian. Someone needs to stand up, because no one wants the responsibility of crime.”
According to Brantley, “the iron fist” of law enforcement must be coupled with “the velvet glove” of opportunity so that persons are aware of the lifestyle choices available to them.
He noted that his Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) party had outlined several crime-fighting initiatives in its 2010 election manifesto, such as increased police training, greater technological investment and the establishment of a fingerprint and ballistics system. The party has also advocated for the capitals of both islands to be covered by CCTV, as well as the implementation of urban renewal development programmes in gang-plagued communities.
“Persons in McKnight must feel they have the same opportunities as those in Frigate Bay. They must see that if they are willing to make something of themselves, that they have a partner in the government. But if they don’t want to go down that path, then stringent law enforcement will be there to handle them,” said Brantley.
