Nevis' problem with break-ins, theft and other crimes has been occurring for a long time. However, it has reached a new level with the occurrences of the robbery of US Supreme Court Justice Breyer, and the two other robberies on the same date, including the break-in at the High Court on Prince William Street in Charlestown.
One would hope that our new Chief of Police Walwyn would be able to solve these cases rapidly, bring the perpetrators to justice and consequently begin to prevent the problem.
However, I am certain the causes were created before he arrived, and lie with lack of money for schools, unemployment. Quite frankly, our government has focused on enriching itself and getting reelected rather than our island's social good and general welfare.
I do not wish to pick on the police, but understand that the administration was notified that Justice Breyer was arriving, and knew that they were to provide protection which is standard procedure as I know it. I assume that departments within the administration communicate with one another, so I am astounded that I can find out about the robbery on CNN, Washington Post, Slate, the AP News wire and other sources.
I hope our Tourism people and their advisor have some sort of damage control plan in place; since this will cause major problems to Nevis tourism. I have already heard from friends in New York and Germany asking about what is happening.
It will take some time for the damage to be repaired, but in the meantime it would be good if the administration would communicate to us and others outside our island what they intend to do to both correct our image and repair the problem.
I trust that since Justice Breyer has been here for many years, he and his family will continue to come back. According the Washington Post, he has been a good frequent source for tourism articles on Nevis. It would be worthwhile if this administration could tell us how they intend to help this to continue.
