Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 15, 2010 (SKNIS): “Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Hon Sam Condor has called for a unified approach to crime prevention on a number of fronts including a stronger focus on social services.
 
Minister Condor, in addressing the second in a series of sub-regional consultations on the Draft CARICOM Action Plan for Social Development and Crime Prevention, said programmes must be geared towards changing lives and be; proactive as compared to reactive.
 
Noting the importance of collaboration among regional security forces such as the Regional Security Systems (RSS) and its recently launched counterpart: CARICOM IMPACT, the minister said if the region is to return to its designation as a peaceful zone, residents should be increasingly cognizant of the vulnerability of our small island developing states to external shocks as well as our heavy dependence on Tourism and the Services Sector.
 
 
As such, he referred to the upsurge in criminal activity throughout the region and at home and called on persons to recognize the urgent need for the implementation of workable strategies which refocus youth to respect and appreciate human life.
 
He added, “Crime Prevention programmes should embrace the enhanced delivery of services that will positively impact the well being of our people.”
 
On the other hand, the minister maintains a strong stance against tolerance of the crimes he referred to as debilitating, destructive and senseless. He was therefore very supportive of the draft Action Plan for Social Development and Crime Prevention which marries the two as a realistic option in reducing violence, promoting integration, empowering victims and protecting the environment and the region’s economic resources.
 
Dr Marcus Day consultant from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime applauded the choice of the socially geared crime prevention strategy stating that it was a better approach.
       
Minister Condor said the success of this agenda would require input from a wide cross section of public, private and civil society as well as academic institutions.
 
Ms Myrna Bernard of the CARICOM Secretariat and chairperson for the consultation supported the view, stating that functional cooperation is the bedrock for Regional Integration.