[ad_1]
By Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): An increase in homicide rates in 2023, coupled with a sharp rise in 2024, has caused growing concern among citizens, residents and civic groups.
For more than two decades, successive governments have made fighting crime and violence a priority, but the killings continue. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “How do we reduce the seemingly endless number of murders?”
For many years, a section of society has been concerned that once in opposition, MPs and politicians tend to ignore long-term crime trends and only analyse short-term crime fluctuations for political gain.
Some people believe that the best way to deal with crime and violence is to find the perpetrators, arrest them, and put them in prison for a long time. However, another concern arises. Every dollar spent on criminal justice services is a dollar not spent on education, social programs, and programs that improve people’s living standards.
Curbing gun-related crime has been one of the biggest challenges facing lawmakers and law enforcement. On August 21, Police Commissioner James Sutton called for a whole-of-society action in a statement to the nation.
“During these challenging times, we must come together to save our communities from the intrusion and impact of these crimes. Law-abiding citizens far outnumber criminals. They are so numerous that they should not be allowed to further terrorize our communities, disrupt our lives, and create chaos in our country. We ask for your support in this fight against crime. I implore you to remain vigilant and report any information regarding crimes. Your safety, and the safety of our communities, depends on cooperation between the public and law enforcement. Stand with us; together, we can achieve more. Working together, we can end the scourge of violence that plagues our communities.”
Sutton stressed the need for long-term measures to combat crime and violence in the commonwealth.
“In addition to the immediate response, we recognize the need for long-term strategies to address and prevent gun violence. This includes a multifaceted approach, including community engagement, mental health supports, legislative measures and enhanced policing strategies. We will continue to work closely with government officials, community leaders and advocacy groups to develop and implement effective solutions. If you have any information, please come forward. You can report information directly to police or, if you prefer, you can do so anonymously. We understand it may be daunting to come forward, but we will respect your confidentiality and your information is critical in helping us solve these cases. We are determined to target and disrupt the criminals who seek to destroy our communities. The perpetrators of these violent acts will face the full force of the law. We are committed to taking back our communities and ensuring our streets are safe for everyone.”
The Police Commissioner issued a stern warning to wrongdoers.
“To those who are lawless and bent on destroying our communities, we are behind you. We will hunt you down wherever you are. You cannot and will not win this war on crime. You will be defeated! Put down your guns, stop the bloodshed, and stop slaughtering your fellow men. You can resolve your differences in other ways. It is not worth your life or the lives of others. It must stop now!”
[ad_2]
Source link
