BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Ministry of Health has voiced its concern over the rising level of anti-social behaviour in the Federation and the effect it is having on the nation.
In a press release issued by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Patrick Martin, the ministry is aware of the national frustration, anxiety, dismay and anger over the unprecedented level of anti-social behaviour, which he claims are perpetrated by a few misguided individuals.
The CMO declared that personnel of his ministry are also affected when health facilities are invaded by hostile mobs. He noted that the ministry asserts that reflection and vigilance are warranted; not vigilantism, doom and gloom. And that one of the best ways to cope with stressful events is through community action.
“Collective responsibility for security means neighbour looking out for neighbour, and the neighbourhood providing information to the security, health and protective services. Root cause analysis is also critical to arriving at the best solutions,” he said.
Dr. Martin emphasised the point that research, training and experience teach that crime and violence are anti-social behaviour, which are the result of disorders of thought and emotion.
“Personality disorders and frank psychoses are brought on by mind-altering events occurring mostly in the period from conception through early childhood and early adolescence. Toxic events include exposure to alcohol during pregnancy, neglect of the care and attention, overexposure to violent and sexual media, the harmful use of alcohol and narcotics, physical and emotional abuse, and rape,” he explained.
Addressing the issue of sexual violence, Dr. Martin said this act against girls and boys has been pervasive and persistent for decades. He also gave an indicator of this epidemic and the amount of pregnant girls currently in school.
“An indicator of the epidemic of sexual violence is the 19 percent teen motherhood rate. Every year since 2000, an average of 50 girls under the age of 17 years become new mothers. Currently in St. Kitts, there are 20 pregnant girls attending school. Girl mothers, by definition, are immature and incapable of guiding and supervising children. The risk of abuse and neglect of children is higher.”
He averred that violence-mediated brain changes manifest as behaviours such as apathy, depression, harmful use of substances, impulsiveness, bullying and rage, while positing that sexually violated girls are at higher risk for becoming either withdrawn or promiscuous.
The CMO also gave his views on boys who were molested and those who had witnessed their mothers and sisters being assaulted. He noted that they might develop violent and explosive anger, which are usually visible in early childhood and adolescence and often occur in the school system and on the street.
“In any society, when teenagers and young adults (male and female) who have conduct and anti-social disorders become organised and acquire deadly weapons, there will be increased levels of crime and violence. A national security response is indicated.
“Alternately, the most important crime and violence prevention and mitigation interventions, and the most cost effective are human development services in health, gender, social protection and education. In the Federation, government funding for such services amounts to around EC 200 million dollars (2010 projections),” Dr. Martin said.
The CMO said that the Ministry of Health has reiterated its commitment to enhance and expand the spectrum of mental health services from prevention and promotion to treatment and rehabilitation.
He also said expert care, treatment and support are available through community health centers, pastors, teachers and counselors, and that abused and neglected children must be promptly referred to the Child Protection Service.
“The Foster Care Programme usually has children in need of a caring home. The Ministry of Education offers free schooling from early childhood to the tertiary level, a reading enrichment programme and parenting skills training,” he added.
Dr. Martin indicated that similar programmes are currently operated by non-government organisations in both islands, noting they are all worthwhile investments for a better future and are recommended for ongoing material support.
