Don’t blame crime on unemployment, poverty – PM

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, has said that the crime and violence situation affecting St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), should not be blamed on poverty and unemployment.

With one week and a few days left before the end of 2024, SVG has recorded 53 homicides. In 2023, 55 homicides were recorded, while 2022 saw 42. The majority of homicides committed have been with illegal firearms. At a recent press conference the police top brass restated that there are gangs operating in the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Gun Intelligence Workshop hosted by CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (CGIU), Gonsalves said there is only a “small group of men and some women who enjoy the fruits of crime” in SVG.

“They do it by choice; we must stop saying that it is because of unemployment and poverty.”

He said he does not see the type of organized gangs in SVG as is the case in larger Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, adding that a “small minority” of people turn to crime “as a matter of choice.

“Others decide that they are going to go for guns, cocaine, and trafficking ganja because they think the money is there and easier to make. The evidence is clear that if you go that route, you will go to prison young, or will die young, or both things …. If you don’t get that clear you will look for excuses for people’s behaviour.”

The Prime Minister said frankly that the USA’s stance on the right to bear arms presents a challenge for the region with guns slipping in through the borders.

“We don’t produce guns. We don’t produce ammunition in this region… the bulk, by far, is coming from the United States of America. I don’t think practically, given the way in which the political situation is in the US Congress, that we are going to have a lot of support for the strengthening of gun laws.”

He made a call for the US Federal government to throw more support behind measures to limit the flow of guns into the region.

“We have to talk about how we control the movement between the United States and ourselves. I believe the Federal government is interested- and in recent times, has been showing a greater interest, but I want to see more resources put to it so that we don’t do it on a shoestring as if it is a side show.”

For the crime fight at home, PM Gonsalves urged police officers to hit the streets to get intelligence on criminal networks and not stay inside the office.

“I expect to see senior officers with you all going on patrols and that will build morale around you. And I expect you, the rank and file police officers, to take the business of policing seriously. If you are not taking the job seriously, leave and get a job as a civil servant.”

The Gun Intelligence workshop concluded on Friday, December 20, 2024.