PAM says government too silent on crime

By Eulana Weekes

St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Members of the opposition People’s Action Movement (PAM), led by party leader Natasha “Shani” Graybrooks, held a peaceful demonstration outside the government headquarters in Basseterre.

During the protest held on the morning of Monday, August 19, PAM representatives said the government has been too silent on gun incidents in the country.

Brooks acknowledged that addressing violent crime requires a whole-of-society effort, but added that the government also has a role to play.

“When you take an oath to serve your country, to protect your country, to uphold your Constitution, you must mean it in every way and do what you must and what is necessary. It is time for us as a nation to take to the streets and demand that our government take action to protect our country. Our streets must be safe and secure. Our people must feel that when they go home at night, they are safe in the protection of their homes. In our business community, there are too many robberies. Have they met these businessmen and women and asked them what measures are in place or what can be done to help alleviate this problem? The government needs to act on your behalf and act now. In solidarity with our citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis,” she said.

Brooks has the support of Pakistan Muslim League deputy political leader Azad Gumbs and former leader Sean Richards.

The protests were live-streamed on social media and received some public attention. In the comments, some supported the demonstrations, while others argued that the People’s Action Movement was using the issue of crime and violence as political leverage and was not offering any promising solutions to help curb the problem.

While the protest was ongoing, the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrence Drew, was meeting with the Commissioner of Police, James Sutton, to discuss urgent national security issues in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Although penalties have been reviewed and stricter laws put in place, along with ELEVATE and other social intervention programmes, the killings continue to affect the Sister Islands.

In just 33 weeks, there have been 24 homicides.