Escalating crime needs to be curbed

Tue Jul 15, 2014

Editor, As violent crime escalates in St Vincent and the Grenadines and other countries in the Caribbean Community, it seems as if a unprecedented type has emerged in the multi-island state, since last weekend a popular business executive was abducted, tied, gagged, beaten and robbed. Jimmie Forde’s horror brought more fear to Vincentians, as the number of murders is increasing rapidly.{{more}}

Reports state that there are 24 murders for the year so far and most, if not a large number of them, are unsolved. Reports from Kingstown state that as crime is escalating, business is on the decline and as a result more and more persons are out of jobs. But it is not only in St Vincent and the Grenadines where crime is rampant, over in St Kitts/Nevis, another OECS state, three persons were shot and killed and four injured over the weekend in the upscale area of Frigate Bay Strip, prompting Prime Minister Denzil Douglas to issue a statement indicating that he was “appalled by the brazen act.”

The situation is even worse in Belize, another CARICOM state where gun violence and gang warfare have shifted from Belize City – the commercial capital – to the northern side of the island at Orange Walk. Violent crime has increased significantly forcing the opposition party to call on the government to act swiftly to curb the violent crime or resign.

In the co-operative republic, the criminals are targeting Guyanese who return home on vacation, robbing them and in several instances killing them in the process.

St Vincent and the Grenadines is not known for kidnapping, but it seems as if the criminals are not only getting more desperate, but they are bolder and more blatant. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has to take immediate steps to curb crimes, especially the violent ones, before the situation gets out of control. He should invite social and cultural organizations, the churches, service organizations and the opposition party to work towards eradicating what can be described the cancer in the society. It is a national issue and should be addressed by all.

Oscar Ramjeet