BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PARLIAMENT Opposition Leader, Hon. Mark Brantley said the Federation’s latest homicides are further proof that the Denzil Douglas administration is not mobilising sufficient resources towards crime-fighting.
“I continue to be deeply concerned about crime and violence, and I have been sounding the alarm for four years that it is the greatest threat to our development,” Brantley told SKNVibes exclusively.
“Obviously, the government does not see it as the threat I do, because they have not given the resources to effectively combat the problem. The time for philosophical discussion has passed and the time to take action is now.”
James and Mildred Daniel, an elderly English couple, were found dead in their Half Moon Bay home yesterday afternoon (Apr. 11). Police Inspector Franklyn Belgrove informed that the Daniels were not seen for several days prior to their discovery, and noted their deaths appeared to have been caused by gunshot-related injuries.
The double homicide came just days after taxi driver Bradford Tweed was shot to death in the wee hours of Thursday morning (Apr. 8) along the island main road in Keys. St. Kitts-Nevis has now recorded 12 homicides for 2010; eight in St. Kitts and four in Nevis.
Brantley conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased, referring to both incidents as “tragedies”. He claimed it is now evident that nobody is safe from the “menace” of crime, regardless of their involvement or non-involvement in criminal activity.
“These two tragic events are clear evidence that the violence has spilt over. For too long we’ve been fooling ourselves that it was only gang members, but the reality is that ordinary citizens are being affected more than ever. Our citizens should be able to go to sleep and expect to wake up, but that expectation is now threatened.”
Brantley said the national homicide rate was even more troubling when compared to Barbados’, which he said had only recorded four homicides for the year. Barbados has a population of about 250 000, while the Federation has under 50 000 persons.
The Nevisian politician stressed it was time for the government to become more alert and break its sustained silence on homicidal activity, as well as demonstrate its interest in tackling crime by committing the necessary resources.
“This silence is an attempt to throw a blanket over the problem. I understand the excuse that talking about crime will be bad for our tourism product, but as citizens, who live here and who the crime is being inflicted upon, we have a right to open and honest dialogue from our leaders.
“Our crime situation speaks ill of us all, every man, woman and child. We cannot continue to build our economy until our safety is assured. I don’t care if I am beginning to sound like a stuck record. The government must wake up and help lead the fight.”
