United Progressive Party (UPP) caretaker for St John’s Rural South Gladys Potter is calling on the government to do more to address instances of violent crime.
Potter’s comment comes after three gunmen robbed Aunty Alice Superstore – formerly known as Mr Fish and Shrimp – in Golden Grove on Tuesday. That followed another brazen robbery last weekend in which a lone gunman entered Gloria’s Supermarket in Whenner Road, held the cashier at gunpoint and took the day’s earnings.
“Over the last year there has been an increase in armed robbery, specifically to locally owned supermarkets and superettes … there is no evidence whatsoever pointing to the Minister of National Security, the Prime Minister or any of the government ministers addressing the increase in armed robbery and terrorisation of small businesses and small business owners,” Potter claimed.
“The lack of action coming from the administration is shouting ‘we don’t care about small businesses, their owners, or the contributions that small businesses have been making to the economy of Antigua and Barbuda’,” she argued.
Larceny, break-ins, and robberies are among the most prevalent crimes committed in the country and despite pleas from the police for members of the public, including the victims, to assist in solving them, recent incidents involving guns continue to wreak havoc in the lead-up to Carnival.
However, Potter, herself a business owner, said the situation was “alarmingly frightening”.
“The victims are looking to the police for protection, for answers to this huge problem called armed robberies, but the police are looking back at us with questions and not answers,” she said.
“I am waiting for the evidence to confirm that law enforcement understands that the owners of these small businesses are the victims and not only lose the cash that was taken in the robbery but so much more.
“The employee or the owner who was held at gunpoint will never be the same, the customers who were present will never be the same. I know of persons who are afraid to patronise some businesses because said business was the victim of more than one robbery,” she added.
According to Potter, some small businesses are considering reducing their opening hours due to fear.
“More than one business owner expressed frustration and their consideration of closing [early] because the cost of staying open with persons getting away with robbery is too high and not feasible.
“The governing administration has a responsibility to its citizens to create an environment where we can thrive and strive, an environment where we feel safe and secure to make our contribution to nation building and progress,” Potter said.
Public Safety Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin met with police chiefs last week to address the subject of armed criminals.
“The police will initiate every tried-and-tested method in order to seize illegal firearms and to keep innocent citizens safe and secure,” last week’s Cabinet notes said.
“In this Carnival season, greater vigilance will take place and everyone is asked to cooperate to reduce the potential for robberies.”
