St. George’s, Grenada, May 21st 2010: Parliamentary Representative for St. Andrew North East, Hon. Roland Bhola has joined the Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition in his call for every Grenadian to pray for a reverse in the current increase in criminal activities in the country. However, Bhola is making a special appeal to the Government to do more to address the current situation.
According to Bhola, a recent violent robbery in St. John’s as well as the high number of violent activities, house breaking, stealing and other criminal activities in the country are of concern to all Grenadians. Bhola says the Government must swiftly move forward to implement the National Crime Strategy which was developed by the New National Party Administration in collaboration with a wide representation of stakeholders. He said this strategy clearly outlines the important role that each sector including the church, the media, the school, Non Governmental Organisations, the Police and every Grenadian should play in maintaining the peace and stability of the country and reducing crime.
Bhola is also appealing to the NDC Government to put people back to work through out the country and to create more opportunities for them to be self sufficient as they struggle through these tough economic times. He says Government must also review some of the decisions taken since coming into office including the decision to implement VAT and to put on hold a number of projects negotiated by the previous administration. Additionally, the former Minister is calling on the Government to reduce unnecessary spending such as those on frequent travels, purchase of furniture and hiring of close friends and relatives of Ministers so that the number of persons employed through the debushing programme can be increased.
According to Bhola the Government cannot underestimate the fact that while few are reaping significant benefits from the NDC Government many people through out Grenada are frustrated and desperate as a result of the current economic situation in the country and must be given all the necessary support possible. He explained that in rural communities many parents are unable to send their children to school as they find it virtually impossible to find employment. The former Minister for Community Development is also concerned about what appears to be an acceptable form of prostitution in various communities as young ladies are turning to men for support as they find it impossible to find jobs.
The Opposition believes that Government must act swiftly before this situation gets worse. The Opposition further calls on the leadership of the Royal Grenada Police Force to take a more proactive approach to solving crime and to put all its efforts and resources into this cause rather than using police officers for political objectives while victimizing others who are perceived to be supporters of the New National Party.
