A safe Christmas is the priority

Normally, our editorial headline would be wishing our readers, citizens, residents and visitors alike, a “Merry Christmas” and a “Bright and Prosperous New Year”.

Sadly, this year is different, and the emphasis has shifted. Just look at these recent headlines and major stories as reported in the local media: “Man caught walking on the public road with loaded firearm” “SVG’s 50th homicide”. “Homicide count now at 52”.

There are many more, painting a grim pre-Christmas picture, certainly not the kind of atmosphere that one would hope for as we enter the climax of the season.

Peace-loving citizens and churches have been having their say too, all praying for an end to this dark chapter of our lives.

SEARCHLIGHT has not been silent on the matter making successive editorial comments as the carnage mounted. Two recent quotes adequately reflect our grave concerns:

“A society cannot, MUST NOT, put up with this blatant defiance of law and order, of the right to life…..It demands a collective will to say, NO MORE..” (Editorial, Friday, Dec.6)

As indicated above, the deadly count has reached 52 and counting. Many of these have been in public, in full view of others, but the killers are yet to be identified and apprehended. It is no comfort that our country has company on this deathly path. Our brothers and sisters in the rest of the region, the customary victims in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, now being joined in their suffering by grieving folk in St. Lucia and even once- considered “safe” Barbados. It is now a regional affliction.

So terrifying has the situation become that calls are being made at all levels, spurring outbursts of concern by government officials- the esteemed Prime Minister of Barbados among them, for regional action to stem the deadly tide. The fact that most of the murders seem to have been committed through the use of illegal firearms has stoked the concerns. The Caribbean has long been urging US authorities to take not just the drug trade but the illegal export of arms to the Caribbean by sources based in the USA, far more seriously than it appears to be doing.

Given this picture, the fear created in our society, and the negative images being circulated at the same time that we are ramping up our tourism sector and courting visitors, we find it strange that there seems to be a reluctance on the part of the government to comment on the situation and announce initiatives to tackle it. The embattled Police Force gives regular assurances to the public about their continued efforts and appeals for public support but frankly, the results do not instil confidence. Why this official silence, contrasting with our neighbours?

As we urge our Prime Minister/Minister of National Security, to demonstrate the leadership for which he is renowned, perhaps our greatest wish for all this year is for a SAFE CHRISTMAS to everyone.