The New Democratic Party (NDP) says it remains deeply concerned with the rising level of homicides in this country, especially after having two consecutive years of record homicides.
The NDP said in a statement that the most recent incident, the heinous chopping to death of James Gould earlier this month brought the homicide count in our once-blessed nation to 18this year. His death, it stated is but the latest in a seemingly rash spell of brutal murders that undoubtedly affects Vincentians to the very core.
According to the statement, “the seemingly endless reports of homicides, attempted homicides and wounding are creating a fast-growing feeling of fear and insecurity among the people of this country and must be viewed against the backdrop of the broader crime situation which includes everything from praedial larceny and robberies through to excessive corruption.”
The NDP said the Vincentian public have long lost confidence in the capacity of the existing security forces to bring crime under control and are disenchanted with the Justice system to the point where some communities and individuals are taking matters into their own hands through vigilante-type activities.
The party calls on the government, particularly the Minister of National Security, to be proactive and bring the nation together to address crime, and crime-related issues in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and urges the Vincentian public to be vigilant.
It also implores anyone with information that might assist the police in their investigations to provide it to the police and calls on the police to redouble their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
