Says perpetrators will be relentlessly pursued
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER and Minister of National Security Hon. Sam Condor said the perpetrators of crime would be relentlessly pursued and the security forces have reorganised their strategies and resources in an effort to prevent similar attacks.
Condor made this pronouncement, among others, last evening (Nov. 15) during a broadcast to the nation on ZIZ TV and Radio Stations in condemnation of the robbery of 17 cruise ship passengers at Brimstone Hill on Sunday, November 14, 2010.
“I say to you, in the strongest terms possible, that perpetrators of crime will be relentlessly pursued. The security forces would have necessity reorganise its strategies and resources in an effort to prevent similar attacks,” Condor said.
He also declared that anyone who accepts or purchases stolen goods is guilty of a crime and would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Earlier in his address, the Security Minister said his ministry, the government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis condemn the act and noted that it has negatively impacted the nation. He also views the robbery as an attack on the Federation’s economic security.
“The Ministry of National Security, the entire government and I do believe the vast majority of citizens and residents of this our beloved land vehemently condemn this vicious attack on our guests. We abhor any act of violence against innocent people. The robbery of any individual – local or visitor – is an act of assault which is illegal and totally unacceptable. Yesterday’s (Sunday) activity which has negatively impacted the nation’s community is particularly chilling.
“The robbery of a visitor is more than a robbery of just one person or few persons; it is an act on the Federation’s taxi drivers, our hotel and restaurant owners, employees and tour operators. It is an attack on the craft vendors; it is in fact an attack on all persons throughout the Federation who work in businesses, large or small, that are related directly or indirectly to the flow of visitors to our Federation. It is an attack on public services, which are provided with the spinoff revenue from the tourism sector. I view this attack on our visitors like the attack or sabotage of any other segment or sector of our economy, as an attack on our national economic security, and as such a crime of treason.”
He said not only were the tourists robbed of money and other personal possessions, but also of their peace of mind and comfort.
Condor stressed that the robbery has given rise for every citizen and resident to work together in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“It is said that acts of violence and crime make love and caring urgent. It compels us to evaluate how we love or don’t love our family, community, country or ourselves. Yesterday’s unfortunate and unprecedented incident gives the thousands of law-abiding citizens and residents every good reason to work together to identify perpetrators and to bring to justice those persons within our communities who so boldly and foolishly and selfishly jeopardise the livelihood of fellow nationals.
“I speak of those who traumatise visitors who came to our shores for relaxation and for an appreciation of our people and culture, and in the process to enhance our economic activity. Fellow citizens, residents, I appeal to your moral and patriotic conscience to rise up and assist the security forces in their ongoing investigations in this matter.”
Condor told the nation that government officials had met with officials of the cruise ship and the affected passengers shortly after the incident occurred, noting that it is a complex and sensitive process, but his government would endeavour to thoroughly address the issue with the cruise lines and their decision makers.
He declared that the government is communicating appropriately with the media that directly serve markets in those countries from which visitors to the Federation originate.
The Deputy PM ended his address by stating that the people of St. Kitts and Nevis are well known as peaceful and law-abiding. “I therefore call on all good citizens to work together so that the majority will continue to protect our country’s good name and determine the image and reputation of our Federation,” he added.
