By Azara Lavia
A popular social commentator says he is disturbed by the current state of crime in Antigua and Barbuda.
Audley Phillip told Observer, “It matters not how much we water it down, crime is the measure of a state’s failure. We are at an ugly and frightening stage in relation to crime and violence in this country.”
Phillip added, “This is certainly not the Antigua and Barbuda that I grew up in.”
Phillip said the twin island state needs an active, principled and engaged citizenry that knows its rights and responsibilities in a democracy.
He further highlighted that people should prioritise issues, competence and merit as opposed to personalities and political parties.
“We have all become so embroiled in party politics that we are often blinded by anything that is adverse, and goes against the grain of our political party of choice,” he said.
“When it comes to talking out against our party, collectively our lips stick. Our political leaders have fostered and encouraged this antagonistic attitude among us, leading us to believe that nothing the opposing side says or does is good and sensible.”
Phillip is of the view that Antigua and Barbuda needs meritocracy and professionalism in the security services, including the military and police, and the entire civil service.
He further opined that there must be a holistic and national approach in dealing with the current crime situation, and suggested that it cannot just be seen as a “red thing” or a “blue thing”, but rather all hands on board.
Speaking about good governance, Phillip asserted that honesty and the rule of law are desperately needed to nurture investment, and promote economic development and prosperity for the majority.
He opined that bodies such as the Integrity Commission and the post of Information Commissioner, which were originally set up to help ensure integrity in public life and freedom of information, are all but dead.
“We need a state that has the capacity to maintain law and order and deliver public services. We need a strong civil society and an assertive business sector that tames the excesses of the state. Currently, we have an executive running roughshod over a weak and timid private sector, and a weak and hopelessly disorganised and disengaged civil society,” Phillip said.
He concluded by stating that the problems in Antigua and Barbuda are far bigger than the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party and the United Progressive Party, or the real and perceived differences between the two main political parties.
Phillip is adamant that a solution will only emerge when there is a resurgence in the number of people who work for the overall good of the country, rather than themselves or sectional interests.
