BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, March 15th 2010 - “I think that jail should be used as a last option when dealing with first time offenders, as we continue to see many of them continue to return after they would have been placed among hardened criminals.”
This is the view of a former Defence Force Staff Sergeant (SSGT) now Managing Director of a private security firm, Shawn Wigley.
Wigley has also issued a passionate appeal to the relevant authorities to create initiatives with the view of promoting social development of the young people in St. Kitts and Nevis. He said this would help to curb what he described as the staggering increase in criminal activities within the Federation.
Wigley said that locking away first-time offenders could lead them to further criminality, noting that it provides an opportune moment for the relevant authorities to reach out to the offenders, thus preventing them for continuing a life of crime.
Quizzed on what he thinks could be an alternative in leading first time offenders from continuing in such a path, Wigley said he firmly believes that community service should be used, depending on the nature of the offence. The former SSGT said that he would like to see government together with the relevant stakeholders assisting with establishing certain facilities, which he stressed if created would aid significantly in accommodating first time offenders. This, he added, would help to segregate them from hard core criminals.
Wigley also noted that there are a number of other initiatives which could be created, noting that among them is looking at the introduction of moral education in the school system. He stressed that many times it is there where many of the Federation’s criminals begin their life of crime. He also noted that the issue of censorship of certain types of music should be seriously addressed, declaring that many have lost sight of the biblical teachings.
Wigley also stressed that the current crime situation needs the help of all stakeholders, noting that it could be addressed through the criminal justice system. He said that the fovours should be to reduce the opportunities to commit crimes, and promote social development.
To this end, the Supreme Security MD called for the establishment of more recreational facilities in certain communities. In addition, he also called for greater pro-active parent/teacher associations in schools; frequent visits by Police/Welfare Officers to schools and the revisiting of the dress code for children attending school activities. “Children must be able to understand that as children they must act and dress like children, and parents need to ensure this,” he said.
The use of reformed prisoners to educate in-school youths of their experiences in prisons was recommended for consideration. Calling for a zero tolerance on crime, Wigley said that the St. Kitts and Nevis Police Force and other law enforcement agencies need to be more aggressive in their fight against crime and drugs. He declared that there must be zero tolerance for gang leaders and drug dealers, noting that aggressive anti-money laundering action be undertaken. He pointed out that the fight being fought primarily by the security forces could only be won with greater community involvement.
The MD noted the importance of encouraging and strengthening citizen/community participation in the implementation of public security plans and programmes, and to promote the concept of getting security companies also involved in tackling crime aggressively. He pointed out that he has embarked on ensuring that his security officers get primary and regular training before being employed, adding that it would help them in being able to assist in the protection of their communities.
Wigley also requested that the newly-appointed Minister of National Security, the Hon. Sam Condor convene a meeting with private security companies so as to seek their involvement in effectively addressing crime prevention, public safety and security.
