The Seventh-day Adventist church is appalled and outraged at the recent upsurge of criminal activity and the apparent disregard for the sanctity and dignity of human life in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. One life lost through violent means is one too many and must be a serious cause for concern to all law-abiding citizens.{{more}} We categorically condemn the perpetrators who, would have unleashed their deadly attacks on their victims who, under all circumstances, appeared to have been helpless and vulnerable and hope that they would be brought to swift justice. We express our deepest regrets and sincerest condolences to the relatives, friends and communities that are experiencing the pain and feeling the loss resulting from these brutal attacks.

The increase in heinous crime is symptomatic of the sickness of society and goes to show the depravity, indifference, callousness and decadence of the criminal mind. Crime is arguably one of the serious social issues that confront our nation and for which all hands must be on deck as we fight its deadly scourge. It is not only for the government or for a political party to deal with; it is a national issue that demands the attention of all branches of Government: the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary, as well as civil society, including the institutions of the home, school and church. Indeed, as a nation, we are all affected one way or another by this terrible scourge and, by extension, become irritated by its effects on our rights and freedoms.

It will take more than the resumption of hanging to bring about significant changes in human nature and behavior. Man is a four-dimensional being, comprising the physical, mental, social and spiritual entities. As such, adequate attention must be given to all four aspects of human development if we are to love one another, respect life, appreciate our uniqueness and celebrate our differences. The church must continue to uphold the moral law of God, upon which all modern, civilized society is established, and proclaim its immutability. If we do otherwise we might just be condoning crime and excusing violence. Grace does not dispense with law but rather elevates it. A person who therefore accepts Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior and encounters salvation will uphold God’s holy law and adhere to the sixth commandment: “Thou shall not kill”.

At this time of national pain, it is well for us to be reminded that God is still in control and sometimes He speaks to us loudly through our sorrows and hurts in order to get our attention. His ultimate desire is for all of mankind to be saved. One of these days, crime and violence will be of the past and God’s universal kingdom, predicated on love, equity and justice will be forever established. The best thing that can happen to us now is to be sheltered securely in the safe arms of our blessed Savior.