Feel proud of our achievements as a nation

26.OCT.07

INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE by KEITH G. MILLER, COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

I wish to congratulate the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the attainment of our 28th Anniversary of Independence. It reminds me that 28 years ago, I stood on the parade ground at the Victoria Park at the parade that ushered in our Independence.{{more}}

Independence gives one a consciousness of pride, loyalty, development, ambition and a sense of identity. I believe that we are to feel proud of our achievement as a Nation, of which many Nations are not so fortunate. For this, we must give thanks to God, our progressive leaders and patriotic and ambitious people. We are a people of progress and continue to demonstrate that.

However, unfortunately, among us there seems to be a small minority who are bent on disrupting our peace and tranquility by resorting to acts of crime and violence.

The overall crime situation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to show a decline in the number of reports to the Police. During the period January 01 – September 30, 2006, there were 5,428 crimes reported. For the corresponding period of 2007, 5,042 were reported; a reduction of 386 crimes reported. While crimes in general show a decrease, homicides, rape, drug-related offences and possession of firearms and ammunition show an increase.

In 2006, between January 01 to October 21, 2006, 12 murders were reported. However, for the corresponding period in 2007, 31 homicides were reported; an increase of 19 cases. This shows the extent to which criminal-minded persons are bent on seeking their own redress, despite the efforts by the Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies. This is coupled by changing trends where some of these acts are committed with the use of guns and by persons in camouflage or some form of disguise, e.g. masks, bandanas, etc.

Criminal activities have become more diverse and challenging, which warrants the need for enhanced policing, through means of intelligence gathering, crime trend analysis and continued support from law-abiding citizens. Continuing efforts are being made to bring members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force in line with modern policing trends and techniques in order to make us better able to deal with the challenges ahead.

As we celebrate our 28th Anniversary of Independence, I wish to encourage Vincentians and visitors to our shores to indulge in safe and peaceful activities and have an incident-free 28th Anniversary of Independence.

May God bless us all!