Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 26, 2016 (SKNIS): The Premier of Nevis and Senior Minister in the Federal Cabinet, Honourable Vance Amory, has made an impassioned plea for leaders in St. Kitts and Nevis to stand up, and do more in the fight against crime – specifically gun-related crime involving youth.
Government has increased spending in technology and training for law enforcement, appointed a new Police High Command and embraced and implemented strategies from local, regional and international experts over the past 17 months to enhance citizen security. It has also reached out to and forged relationships with key partner agencies and individuals to assist with public safety.
It was against this backdrop that Premier Amory reiterated his call for social partners to become more involved.
“We call to the church, and we call to the schools and we call to leaders in community and we call to leaders in government, and leaders in whatever capacity,” Premier Amory said at the second in a series of town hall meetings dubbed “Discussions for Prosperity” which was held on Monday (July 25) in Newtown. “And dare I say we can begin to call on the leaders of the gangs, or those who are controlling the gangs, to bring an end to this kind of destruction and this kind of pain in our community.”
As part of its broad consultative approach to good governance, Government officials have been keen to gather suggestions from persons in communities about ways to reduce crime. Just last month (June), International Social Skills Consultant, Neals J. Chitan, engaged stakeholders including faith-based institutions, parents, youth groups, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, law enforcement and others to gather their opinions and share intervention techniques. The outcomes will be compiled in a report and submitted to government.
Senior Minister Amory said “the pain of the violent crimes which is plaguing St. Kitts and Nevis is more than we can bear. Citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis, we have a duty to stand up wherever we are to seek to bring an end to what is going on.”
Most of the violence is committed by local youth towards their rivals. However, the potential economic fallout was mentioned as it relates to the island’s main industry - tourism.
“When the news gets out, it sends a bad message about St. Kitts and Nevis and that message can create a retardation of our development and our economic growth,” the Premier said. “… It is our duty to do what we can in our own way to bring an end to this divisiveness but also this senseless criminal activity.”
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
