Local News

OPPOSITION CALLS FOR ACTION TO DEAL WITH CRIME

St. George’s, Grenada, June 12th 2011: Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell is once again calling on the Minister for National Security, Hon. Tillman Thomas not to take the recent increase in criminal activities lightly; and to take urgent action to address the fear which now exist among Grenadians throughout the island. 

According to Dr. Mitchell, the Prime Minister has continuously dismissed concerns raised about increasing criminal activities by comparing the crime rate in Grenada with that of other islands.  The former Prime Minister says this attitude and approach will worsen the situation.

Dr. Mitchell noted, while it is true that Grenada’s crime rate is not as high as some other countries in the region; this is no reason for us to sit on our laurels.  We have to be very proactive in this time of heightened criminal activities.  There is a growing concern and fear among Grenadians with the recent increase in armed robberies and other criminal activities.

The former Prime Minister is therefore calling on the Government to first accept that there is a problem and to swiftly move towards addressing it.  He said Government must then review the National Crime Strategy which was developed by the New National Party’s Administration with the support and active involvement of all stakeholders including the Church, the Trade Union Movement, NGOs, Government Agencies and Departments. 

In addition, Dr. Mitchell is making an urgent appeal to the Prime Minister and Minister for National Security to ensure that the members of the Royal Grenada Police Force are well equipped to fight crime.

Dr. Mitchell says he is very concerned that with the increase in the level of crime, Government is refusing to provide basic supplies for the Police.  He said while Government Ministers find it easy to find the resources to travel throughout the world on many unnecessary trips, police officers are not provided with shoes and other basic necessities to function. 

He noted that many Police Stations are not able to respond to reports in a speedy manner, as many of their vehicles are not in good working condition; some are out of service for lack of tires while others need general maintenance.   

The former Prime Minister is therefore calling on Hon. Tillman Thomas to take seriously the current crime situation in the country.   He said, “If the Government is serious about reducing crime they must first accept that there is a problem and then move to it.”  He added “After three years in office, it is time that the Government focuses critically on addressing issues like crime, unemployment and other social problems rather than spending all their energy and time trying to destroy the New National Party and its leadership.”

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