BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVE for Constituency Eight, Hon. Eugene Hamilton is seeking to provide opportunities for young people in the area in an effort to reduce the crime problem.
The crime situation in the Cayon community has caused some concerns in recent years with the area once being labelled a hotspot. In the past months however, the criminal activities have significantly reduced.
In an interview with SKNVibes, Hamilton indicated that despite the continuing situation, crime in St. Kitts and Nevis is on the decline and Cayon by extension.
"I believe it is a reflection of the efforts of the Minister of National Security and the police themselves in making sure crime is kept at a minimum," he opined.
Hamilton however stated that there is still some work to be done and he is confident that the Government could get the desired results.
"I think you heard the Prime Minister’s address some weeks ago and you would have heard the Acting Chief of Police. I think what they said in both speeches is that they have outlined the programme of the entire Government."
Hamilton then highlighted the plan to curb crime in his Constituency.
"Crime is usually a symptom of a larger problem. As a new Government, the lager problem includes a lack of jobs and lack of opportunity for young people. Our challenge and our programme is designed to create job opportunities for the young people. We want to encourage young people in particular to also use their entrepreneurial skills. And through our own efforts, which we will soon initiate in terms of the Venture Capital Programme, they should be able to find the resources that will help them to achieve their objective.”
He continued: "When that happens, I believe there would be less time for criminal behaviour because they themselves would get a sense of satisfaction from their overall work and development."
The Parliamentarian also disclosed what he thought of the police's performance in the community.
"I have had a discussion with the police only yesterday (May 29) and they brought me up to date primarily on the period leading up and including Green Valley Festival. I think, in the main, we are satisfied they had done an excellent job at keeping crime at a minimum during the festival. The festival is one that can easily cause things to happen."
