By Tahna Weston
The opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) is threatening stage protest action if a symposium on crime in Antigua and Barbuda is not taken on board by the Gaston Browne administration.
The UPP is calling for the relevant stakeholders to meet to create a national response to crime, which has seen an increase in several offences including house-break-ins, armed robberies and other violent crimes.
In a public address to the nation, UPP Political Leader and Leader of the Opposition Jamale Pringle called for various organisations, including the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (A&BUT), sports clubs, social media influencers, and entertainment promoters to participate in the symposium.
He said failing to address this urgent and critical problem would demonstrate the uncaring nature of this government taking account the four most recent murders, the latest being the tragic death of 15-year-old Achazia James of Upper Fort Road.
“The input and the buy-in of these key society groups must be secured in order to guarantee success.
“If there is no positive response by [Attorney General Sir Steadroy] Benjamin or Commissioner [of Police Atlee] Rodney in the wake of these four recent murders, and the continuing armed robberies of small businesses, the United Progressive Party will be forced to take protest action against the administration, since our very lives and livelihoods are now at stake,” Pringle said in his statement.
The opposition leader said there is the need for greater and continued police presence day and night in the respective communities in order for residents to be made safe.
Pringle said having overgrown bushes, which require clearing in almost every neighbourhood; abandoned properties requiring demolition; the need for more streetlights; the need for safe recreational facilities for young people; and the need for professional counselling for victims of crime all require the urgent attention of the administration.
He is concerned about the impact rising crime will have on the country, including deterring foreign and local investment as crime negatively affects economic growth.
“The people, especially in the urban neighbourhoods, feel neglected by the authorities. They feel their safety and security are less important to the Police. And yet they are paying taxes for services they do not receive.
“And crime creates an environment of fear and uncertainty within the population. Crime blights the future of our youth. We want to feel safe once again – and not merely be told that our crime stats are lower than some other countries,” Pringle said.
He continued, “Therefore, we are demanding that Minister … Benjamin and Commissioner Rodney come to the public to explain and answer questions about this frightening rise in violent crime and how they plan to address it. Their silence is both deafening and dangerous.”
Referring specifically to the recent killing of 15-year-old Achazia James, the opposition MP described it as a horrific murder which has shaken the country. James’ death comes two months after the body of 16-year-old Yenifer Bridge was found in the Fig Tree Drive area.
This is the third murder for August and brings the country’s homicide toll to 10.
Pringle said the police force needs more manpower, officers require adequate training, there is a need for more vehicles, more stations and there ought to be better communication with the public.
“All these are desperately needed; in fact, they are long overdue, and we need to hear and see the outcomes of all these so-called “investigations” the police claim they are undertaking.
“We have listened, in vain, to hear the Cabinet or the Police Commissioner lay out a comprehensive plan to combat crime; prosecute criminals; and deter those who might be considering illegal activity; up to now, not a word,” Pringle added.
He also condemned statements posted on Prime Minister Browne’s Facebook page and made on radio with regards to the murder of the teenage girl.
Browne spoke about police retaliation (with regards to criminals) and unconfirmed declarations about hired killers, comments which the opposition MP said are irresponsible.
“If the latter remarks are true, I must ask how long the prime minister has known this, but, more importantly, I must ask what he has done to arrest it?” Pringle questioned.
