UNC Chairman – PM Rowley lacks Political Will to fight Crime

UNC Chairman David Lee

As Chairman of the United National Congress I believe that the heart of the nation is bleeding through the effects of crime while the Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley continues to show an absence of strategy or political will to implement any sustainable and effective crime fighting initiative.

It is quite ironic and bewildering that a leader, who prior to the elections of 2015 touted that he had the solution to crime has failed miserably now that he has been given the opportunity to do so. During a Political Meeting held at Harris Promenade on July 29th 2015, Dr Rowley confidently boasted ” And if the Government can’t deal with it (crime), then the Government itself is part of the problem,”, thus it is unfortunate now that his modus operandi has changed, asserting that crime is as a result of a lack of respect for human life.

The Prime Minister’s recent comments upon his return on Sunday that “in many such cases the Government’s role doesn’t begin until after the crime has been committed” are erroneous and insensitive towards the fearful citizens of our nation. The Government must be reminded that the fight against crime is not optional, but they are duty bounded to address the situation as it is the responsibility of any Government to protect the welfare and safety of its citizens.

After appointing three Ministers to the Ministry of National Security to no avail as the murder toll stands at 179 in only 135 days for 2016, Government must critically examine, explore and execute new crime fighting measures in an effort to uphold the constitutional rights of citizens; such as the right of the individual to life, liberty, security of the person and enjoyment of property as declared in section 4 of our Constitution. The nation is aware that there is no switch to turn criminal activity on and off nor is there any overnight solution to crime, but there must be a determined “all -out attack” on crime as opposed to the current administration’s “laissez-faire” approach.

The views, concerns and solutions of citizens are critical in the fight against crime. Government would do well to facilitate local or regional consultations on crime in an effort to use the suggestions of the citizens in addressing this situation while the United National Congress and Opposition stand ready to offer any suggestions in this battle to save our nation given our success at decreasing crime across the board within the past five years.